The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, has ordered the immediate suspension of a Shari’ah Arbitration Panel set up at the Central Mosque in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The monarch made this decision during a meeting held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, aimed at addressing tensions surrounding the panel’s activities.
The meeting included the Ewi’s chiefs, community leaders, the Chief Imam of Ado-Ekiti, Sheik Jamiu Kewulere, and other Muslim leaders. The monarch stated that the decision was made to uphold peace, law, and order in the community.
This directive follows the Ekiti State government’s clarification two days earlier, noting that the state’s legal framework does not recognize Shari’ah Courts or Arbitration Panels. According to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata (SAN), existing courts such as the Customary Court, Customary Court of Appeal, and High Court have been handling matters related to marriage, inheritance, and other disputes across different religions without issues.
Community Concerns and Background
Reports of the Shari’ah Panel holding public sittings to resolve disputes caused unease among some residents. These concerns prompted Oba Adejugbe to convene a meeting to address the situation. Speaking at the gathering, the monarch said the panel’s establishment was contrary to the long-standing methods of resolving disputes in the community.
He emphasized that such committees could create divisions among residents. “If we allow such committees, Christians and traditional worshippers may also want to set up their own arbitration panels. This could lead to unnecessary crises,” the Ewi said.
The monarch clarified that the Central Mosque’s initiative was well-intentioned but not suitable given the nation’s current climate. “I told them to revert to the traditional way of resolving disputes, which has worked effectively for our community for generations,” he said.
The Role of the Shari’ah Panel
The Chief Imam of Ado-Ekiti, Sheik Jamiu Kewulere, confirmed the establishment of the panel, stating that it was intended to address matters of inheritance and marriage disputes among Muslims. He noted that the panel had resolved one marriage dispute and adjourned a second case before its suspension.
The Chief Imam dismissed claims that the panel was set up for harmful purposes. He explained that the goal was to serve members of the Muslim community while maintaining the peaceful coexistence they have enjoyed with other religious groups in the area.
“We set up the committee to look into inheritance disputes among our members,” Kewulere said. “It was not meant to create division or cause problems in the community.”
The State Government’s Position
The Ekiti State government also played a key role in addressing the controversy. Attorney General Dayo Apata clarified that the state does not recognize Shari’ah Panels as part of its judicial system. He stated that existing courts adequately handle disputes related to Islamic, Christian, and traditional marriages and inheritance without any legal or societal challenges.
Apata pointed out that the panel’s activities had no legal basis within the state’s judicial framework, further stressing the importance of preserving harmony through established legal systems.
A History of Harmony
Ado-Ekiti has long been known for its peaceful coexistence among adherents of different faiths. Both Oba Adejugbe and Sheik Kewulere emphasized the importance of maintaining this harmony. The monarch urged residents to respect the decision to dissolve the panel and continue resolving disputes through traditional methods that have fostered unity over the years.
Oba Adejugbe also reminded community leaders of their shared responsibility to prevent actions that could disrupt peace in the state. “We must always prioritize unity and avoid anything that could lead to division,” he said.
Lessons from the Past
This is not the first time the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti has taken steps to address sensitive issues within the community. In 2021, the monarch mediated a 400-year-old rift between Ado-Ekiti and Imesi-Ekiti communities, demonstrating his commitment to fostering peace and resolving disputes amicably.
