Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has issued a stern warning against any attempts to establish a Sharia Court within the state.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Abiodun emphasized that Sharia Courts cannot be formed by any individual or group without proper legal authorization.
He clarified that the Ogun State government only recognizes courts established under the legal framework of the Nigerian Constitution, asserting that a Sharia Court is not part of the state’s legal structure.
“The Ogun State Government is aware of a digital notice circulating about the proposed launch of a Sharia Court in the state,” Abiodun stated. “We want to make it clear that no Sharia Court has been authorized to operate in Ogun State. The courts legally recognized to handle disputes in the state are those established by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or through state laws. These include Magistrates’ Courts, High Court, Customary Courts, Customary Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court.”
Abiodun further emphasized that no law in Ogun State has sanctioned the creation of a Sharia Court, and that Sharia law is not a part of the legal framework governing the state.
“The Ogun State Government upholds the right of individuals to practice their religion freely, or to choose not to follow any religion at all. We respect the right of individuals to follow their beliefs in personal matters. However, this freedom does not extend to forming unauthorized institutions or courts,” he added.
Abiodun made it clear that any group or individual attempting to set up such a court is acting without legal authority. “Those responsible for circulating this notice have no legal basis. They cannot establish a court or dispense justice simply through public declarations,” he asserted.
The governor directed that all individuals involved in the creation or operation of the unauthorized Sharia Court immediately cease all activities related to it and disband the illegal entity.
He also urged the public to ignore any notices, documents, or individuals claiming to represent the unlawful Sharia Court, and to report any such incidents to the authorities.
“The Ogun State Government will continue to uphold the rule of law, ensuring respect for the state’s legal and judicial structures, and will prevent any disruptions to law and order,” Abiodun concluded.
