Yoruba group kicks as Shariah panel holds first public sitting in Ekiti state

The Independent Shari’ah Arbitration Panel in Ekiti State held its first public sitting last Thursday at the Oja Oba Central Mosque, Ado-Ekiti, amid growing opposition from Yoruba socio-cultural groups.

Residents confirmed the development, while the Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Prof. Ishaq Akintola, praised the move as a step forward for justice within the Muslim community.

The panel, presided over by three Kadhis—Imam Abdullahi Abdul-Mutolib, Imam Abdulraheem Junaid-Bamigbola, and Dr. Ibrahim Aminullahi-Ogunrinde—addressed two marriage-related disputes.

The first case was resolved peacefully through a consent judgment facilitated by family interventions, while the second case, involving allegations of neglect by a husband, was adjourned until January 30 for further investigation.

Despite the panel’s focus on resolving disputes within the Muslim community, opposition has emerged, mainly from the UK and Europe branches of the Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere.

The group rejected calls for the establishment of Shari’ah law in the South-West, warning that such initiatives could create disunity among Yoruba people.

Afenifere stated that the South-West is culturally distinct from the predominantly Muslim Northern region and cautioned against dividing the Yoruba along religious lines.

“This region is known for its intelligence and enlightenment. We must not allow ourselves to be divided by religion,” the group stated.