No Sharia Court Authorised To Operate In Ogun – Governor Abiodun

In a statement signed by Governor Dapo Abiodun on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the state government issued a warning against any attempt to establish a Sharia court in the state, stating that sharia courts cannot be legally constituted by individuals or groups without legal backing.

The government was responding to a notice announcing the establishment of a sharia court in the state, stating that Ogun State only recognizes courts established through the Nigerian Constitution’s legal framework and that a sharia court is not a part of the legal framework operating in the state.

“The Ogun State Government has noted the circulation of a digital notice announcing the launch of a Shari’ah Court in Ogun State. No Sharia Court is authorised to operate within Ogun State,” the statement read.

“The courts that are legally empowered to adjudicate disputes arising within Ogun State are those established by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or by State Laws, which are: Magistrates’ Courts, High Court, Customary Courts, Customary Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court.

“No law operating in Ogun State has established a Sharia Court, and Sharia law does not form part of the legal framework by which the Ogun State Government administers and governs society.

“The Ogun State Government upholds and protects the rights of individuals to practise the religion of their choice, or to subscribe to no religion, and recognises the freedom of individuals to apply their faith in their personal and private matters.

“However, this freedom does not extend to the formation of unauthorised assemblies or institutions. No individual or group is legally permitted to constitute a court or present themselves to the public as a court without legal backing. Those behind that notice have no legal backing. They cannot set up a court or administer justice by fiat or public notice.”

The state administration ordered that anybody participating in the establishment or operation of the unauthorized court immediately halt all connected actions and dissolve the illegal institution and all of its infrastructure.

“The Ogun State Government also advises members of the public to disregard any summons, documents, or persons associated with the illegal Sharia Court. Such occurrences should be promptly reported to the state.

“The Ogun State Government will uphold the rule of law, ensure respect for the legal and judicial framework within the state, and prevent a breakdown of law and order.”

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli