Any attempt to set up a Sharia court in Ogun State has been strongly discouraged by the government. Sharia courts cannot be legitimately established by people or organizations without legal support, the state administration stated in a statement signed by Governor Dapo Abiodun on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
A notice announcing the establishment of a sharia court in the state prompted the authorities to respond.
The statement states that a sharia court is not a part of the legal system that governs Ogun State and that the state only accepts courts created in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution.
“The Ogun State Government has noted the circulation of a digital notice announcing the launch of a Shari’ah Court in Ogun State. No Sharia Court is authorised to operate within Ogun State,” the statement read.
“The courts that are legally empowered to adjudicate disputes arising within Ogun State are those established by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or by State Laws, which are: Magistrates’ Courts, High Court, Customary Courts, Customary Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court.
“No law operating in Ogun State has established a Sharia Court, and Sharia law does not form part of the legal framework by which the Ogun State Government administers and governs society.
“The Ogun State Government upholds and protects the rights of individuals to practice the religion of their choice, or to subscribe to no religion, and recognizes the freedom of individuals to apply their faith in their personal and private matters.
“However, this freedom does not extend to the formation of unauthorised assemblies or institutions. No individual or group is legally permitted to constitute a court or present themselves to the public as a court without legal backing. Those behind that notice have no legal backing. They cannot set up a court or administer justice by fiat or public notice.”
The state government ordered everyone involved in the establishment or operation of the unlicensed court to dissolve the illegal organization and all of its equipment right away.
“The Ogun State Government also advises members of the public to disregard any summons, documents, or persons associated with the illegal Sharia Court. Such occurrences should be promptly reported to the state.
“The Ogun State Government will uphold the rule of law, ensure respect for the legal and judicial framework within the state, and prevent a breakdown of law and order.”