The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has fiercely condemned an order issued by the traditional ruler of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, to dissolve the Ekiti State Shari’ah Panel, calling it a direct violation of the Nigerian Constitution. The order, delivered on January 25, 2025, has ignited heated debate regarding religious freedom and constitutional rights.
In a statement released on Sunday, January 26, 2025, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, expressed outrage over the monarch’s actions, labeling the dissolution order “draconian, illegal, and unconstitutional.” According to MURIC, the traditional ruler’s move is not only a breach of the constitution but also an affront to religious freedoms protected by both Nigerian and international law.
A Shocking Order
The controversy began when Oba Adejugbe summoned the Chief Imam of Ado Ekiti, Shaykh Jamiu Kewulere, to his palace on January 25. During the meeting, the monarch reportedly reprimanded the Chief Imam and ordered the immediate disbanding of the Shari’ah Panel, a religious advisory body within the state. The monarch was quoted as saying, “Let’s disband the committee, it doesn’t exist and it will never exist.”
Professor Akintola described the statement as an example of “absolute intolerance” and a clear expression of “hatred for Islam and its adherents.” He emphasized that such rhetoric is not only damaging to Nigeria’s religious harmony but also unconstitutional, violating Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to freely practice their religion.
“The Nigerian constitution guarantees freedom of religion under Section 38, and the Ewi’s actions represent a flagrant disregard for this fundamental right,” Akintola stated. “This is a gross violation of religious liberties, and such an order is not only illegal but alien to democratic norms.”
A Legal and Constitutional Issue
The legal ramifications of this order have been sharply criticized by legal experts and rights groups. Section 38(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution unequivocally protects the right of every Nigerian to freely practice their religion. Professor Akintola’s condemnation further emphasized that the monarch’s action not only disregards Nigerian law but also contravenes international human rights agreements to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the European Convention on Human Rights enshrine the right to religious freedom, recognizing it as an unalienable right. MURIC’s statement pointed out that the dissolution order directly conflicts with these international commitments, which mandate respect for the religious beliefs of individuals.
The Role of Traditional Rulers in Nigerian Society
While traditional rulers in Nigeria hold significant cultural influence, their legal authority is not supposed to supersede constitutional rights. Oba Adejugbe’s directive has drawn attention to the broader issue of the role of monarchs in contemporary Nigerian governance.
Critics of the order argue that while the Ewi of Ado Ekiti holds a revered position in the cultural and spiritual life of the people, this does not grant him the power to override legal principles that protect the rights of Nigerian citizens. “The issue here is not about traditional authority but about the rule of law and constitutional rights,” noted Akintola.
Many have also pointed out that such an order may set a dangerous precedent where traditional authorities could use their influence to erode rights guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution. Legal experts are urging that the matter be addressed promptly in order to uphold the sanctity of religious freedoms and prevent future violations.
Religious Intolerance and National Unity
The dissolution order has also sparked broader discussions about religious intolerance in Nigeria. With a diverse population that practices Islam, Christianity, and indigenous religions, Nigeria has long struggled with balancing the rights of its religious communities. MURIC’s condemnation of the action is part of a larger conversation about protecting religious minorities and fostering tolerance in the country.
Professor Akintola described the monarch’s order as “preposterous” and called for the immediate reversal of the dissolution. “This kind of action is not only unconstitutional but deeply harmful to national unity,” he said. “It creates divisions where there should be harmony and breeds distrust among Nigerians of different faiths.”
MURIC further stated that the dissolution order was not just an attack on Islam, but a broader challenge to the pluralistic nature of Nigeria. “Nigeria cannot afford to be a country where religious freedoms are trampled upon for political or personal reasons,” Akintola emphasized.
The Call for Accountability
As the controversy continues to unfold, MURIC has called on Nigerian authorities to hold the Ewi of Ado Ekiti accountable for his actions. The group is urging government officials and legal bodies to ensure that the constitutional rights of Nigerians, particularly in the realm of religious freedom, are protected.
“We demand that the Ewi’s order be reversed immediately, and that the panel be reinstated,” Akintola declared. “We also call on the government to take steps to prevent similar infringements on the constitutional rights of citizens in the future.”
MURIC has also threatened legal action if the government fails to act on the matter. The group has vowed to seek justice through the courts to ensure that such unconstitutional orders do not go unchallenged.
A National Concern
The dissolution order has raised significant concerns not only within the Muslim community but also among human rights organizations and Nigerians committed to the protection of religious freedoms. As calls for action continue to grow, the matter is expected to have far-reaching implications for the relationship between traditional rulers and the Nigerian legal system, as well as for the future of religious freedom in the country.
While the Ewi of Ado Ekiti’s order has created a firestorm of controversy, it has also brought to the forefront a critical issue that affects all Nigerians – the protection of individual rights in the face of powerful figures who may seek to undermine those rights for personal or political gain.
