Ekiti Oba dissolves Sharia panel, warns against trouble

By Samuel Ogunsona and Ologeh Joseph Chibu

The Ewi-in-Council has ordered the immediate dissolution of the Sharia Panel in Ekiti State, citing concerns about public misunderstanding and potential unrest.

The panel, established by the Islamic body in the state was initially aimed to provide arbitration based on Islamic jurisprudence, particularly in matters of marriage and inheritance within the Muslim community.

But the Ewi-In-Council, the indigenous traditional institution in the state said disputes between couples including Muslims in the State has been resolved for over 500 years without resorting to the Sharia Council.

The Council ordered the immediate dissolution of the Sharia Panel.

The Chief Imam of Ekiti State and President General of the League of Imams and Alfa Yoruba land, and Edo, and Delta,
Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, had a
explained that the panel’s goal was to foster peace and resolve conflicts within the Islamic faith.

He said “We have no issues with people of other religions. If anyone wants to disrupt the peace here, we will not tolerate it,” he said.

He siad the aim of the Sharia Countil was meet the sole desire in Ekiti for peace, nothing else
He said the committee was set up to settle disputes among Muslim couples.”

However, the Ewi-in-Council instructed Kewulere to disband the panel immediately, citing the fragile situation in Nigeria and the potential for unrest.

The Ewi-In-Council said “You have been resolving issues for years without this committee. While your intentions may be genuine, the public’s interpretation is different, and it could lead to unrest.

He said “For the sake of peace, the committee must be disbanded without delay,” the council stated.

“Our sole desire in Ekiti is peace, nothing else. The committee was set up to settle disputes among Muslim couples.

“We do not practise discrimination or harbour hatred towards anyone. Sharia, as we use it, is often misunderstood.

The Muslim leader said in this case, it’s a system to address inheritance and marriage disputes that are common within the Muslim community.

He said the goal is to resolve these matters amicably and prevent violence.

But the Ewi-in-Council instructed the Chief Imam to disband the panel immediately for the greater good of Ekiti residents.

“The situation in Nigeria is fragile, and we must tread carefully,” the Ewi-in-Council stated adding that “You have been resolving issues for years without this committee.”