Ekiti State Shari’ah Panel Holds First Public Sitting, Resolves Marriage Dispute

The Independent Shari’ah Arbitration Panel in Ekiti State held its inaugural public sitting in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital on Thursday adjudicating on two marriage-related disputes.

The panel, presided over by three Kadhis Imam Abdullahi Abdul-Mutolib, Imam Abdulraheem Junaid-Bamigbola, and Dr. Ibrahim Aminullahi-Ogunrinde is aimed at providing arbitration based on Islamic jurisprudence.

In the first case, the head of the panel, Imam Abdullahi Abdul-Mutolib, announced that the dispute between the couple was resolved through a consent judgment.

The resolution was facilitated by earlier interventions from family members, which paved the way for a peaceful settlement.

However, the second case where  the wife accused her husband of neglecting his marital responsibilities was adjourned until January 30 for further hearing after listening to both parties.

The panel explained that the adjournment would allow  additional investigations to ensure a fair adjudication.

Imam Abdul-Mutolib emphasized the need for Muslim Couples to imbibe the fear of Allah and adherence to Allah 's injunctions in marriage affairs, urging wives to be submissive to their husbands while husbands too should be up and doing in term of responsibilities and affection to their spouses.

Speaking on the significance of the panel, the President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Ekiti State, Alhaji Hammed Bakare, emphasized that the Shari’ah adjudication process is voluntary and adheres strictly with Islamic principles.

He clarified that litigants could  either choose to use the Islamic Arbitration system or otherwise.

“Shari’ah adjudication is not compulsory for all; it is meant for Muslims or those who willingly choose to submit their grievances to it. Non-Muslims may also participate if they wish, but it remains entirely voluntary.” Alhaji Bakare clarified.

Also, the Deputy President of the Council, Barrister Tajudeen Hammed  who said the Shari’ah panel operates in harmony with the State’s Civil jurisdiction stressed that its rulings are based strictly on Islamic scriptures, including the Qur’an and Hadith and do not conflict with existing civil legal frameworks.

“Submitting grievances to the Shari’ah panel is an integral part of our faith as Muslims. However, it is not mandatory for anyone, including Muslims, to seek redress through this system.” Barrister Hammed opined.

Barrister Hammed equally praised the Kadhis for their expertise and dedication, commending their erudition in Islamic jurisprudence and their application of Qur’anic and Hadith knowledge during the proceedings.

The Shari’ah Arbitration Panel in Ekiti State was  inaugurated by the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in October 2024 in Ado Ekiti, primarily to provide a platform to resolve disputes, especially civil matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance etc, in line with Islamic principles among  Muslims and willing participants.