The Independent Shari’ah Arbitration Panel in Ekiti State has officially begun its public sittings, offering a new platform for resolving disputes based on Islamic jurisprudence. The panel, inaugurated by the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in October 2024, aims to address marriage-related and other civil matters for Muslims and willing participants.
At its first sitting in Ado Ekiti, the panel, led by three Kadhis—Imam Abdullahi Abdul-Mutolib, Imam Abdulraheem Junaid-Bamigbola, and Dr. Ibrahim Aminullahi-Ogunrinde—adjudicated two marriage-related cases. The first case was resolved through a consent judgment, facilitated by earlier interventions from the families involved, which led to a peaceful resolution.
However, the second case, involving a wife’s complaint about her husband’s neglect of marital responsibilities, was adjourned for further investigation until January 30 to ensure a fair outcome. Imam Abdul-Mutolib emphasized the importance of fear of Allah in marriage and urged both parties to act with fairness and patience according to Islamic teachings.
Hammed Bakare, President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Ekiti State, clarified that the Shari’ah adjudication process is voluntary and not mandatory for all. It is available for Muslims and any others who choose to seek resolution through this method. This initiative provides an alternative to conventional legal systems for those who prefer to resolve issues based on religious principles.
The establishment of this Shari’ah arbitration panel marks a significant development in offering an Islamic alternative for dispute resolution in Ekiti. Do you think such panels could become more widespread in Nigeria, especially in states with larger Muslim populations?
