Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has issued a strong warning against any attempt to establish a Sharia Court in the state.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Governor Abiodun emphasized that Sharia Courts cannot be legally constituted by any individual or group without proper legal authorization.

He reaffirmed that the Ogun State government only recognizes courts established within the framework of Nigeria’s Constitution, making it clear that Sharia Courts are not part of the state’s legal system.

“The Ogun State Government has become aware of a circulating digital notice announcing the establishment of a Shari’ah Court in the state,” Governor Abiodun stated.

“We want to make it clear that no Sharia Court is authorized to operate within Ogun State.

“The only courts legally empowered to adjudicate disputes within the state are those established by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or by state law.

“These courts include Magistrates’ Courts, High Courts, Customary Courts, the Customary Court of Appeal, the Federal High Court, the National Industrial Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court”, the statement read.

Governor Abiodun further clarified that no law currently in operation within Ogun State has established a Sharia Court and that Sharia law does not form part of the legal framework by which the state government administers or governs the community.

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While affirming the state government’s commitment to protecting individual religious rights, Governor Abiodun said:

“Ogun State Government upholds and protects the rights of individuals to practice their religion, or to have no religion at all, in their personal and private lives.

“However, this right does not extend to forming unauthorized assemblies or institutions. No individual or group is legally permitted to establish a court or present themselves as a court without legal backing.”

The Governor further warned that those behind the notice announcing the creation of the Sharia Court have no legal authority and cannot establish a court or administer justice through public notice or decree.

He ordered that all activities related to the creation or operation of this unauthorized court must cease immediately, and that any associated entity or apparatus must be disbanded.

The statement urged the public to disregard any summons, documents, or individuals linked to the illegal Sharia Court and to report such occurrences to the authorities.

“The Ogun State Government will continue to uphold the rule of law, maintain respect for the legal and judicial framework within the state, and prevent any breakdown of law and order,” Governor Abiodun assured.

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