gun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has cautioned against any move to establish a Sharia Court in the state, declaring that such an institution lacks legal backing.
In a statement personally signed on Tuesday, Abiodun disclosed that only courts established through the Nigerian Constitution are recognized in Ogun State.
He warned that no individual or group has the authority to create a parallel judicial system outside the constitutional framework.
“The Ogun State Government has noted the circulation of a digital notice announcing the launch of a Sharia Court in Ogun State,” the governor said.
He further reiterated that the legal system in Ogun is guided by constitutional provisions, and any attempt to introduce a Sharia Court without due legal process would be considered illegal.
Abiodun assured residents that his administration remains committed to upholding the rule of law and maintaining religious harmony in the state.
The statement read, “No Sharia Court is authorized to operate within Ogun State. 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 practice the religion of their choice, or to subscribe to no religion, and recognizes the freedom of individuals to apply their faith in their personal and private matters.
“However, this freedom does not extend to the formation of unauthorized 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 Ogun State Government hereby directs that all persons involved in the creation or operation of this unauthorized court must immediately cease all related activities and disband the illegal entity and all its apparatus.
“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,” he added.
