The Grand Kadi of the Kwara State Shariah Court of Appeal, Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen, has inaugurated an 11-member Ekiti State Shariah Arbitration Panel, pledging that the panel will serve justice impartially, regardless of religious affiliation.
In his address, Justice Kamaldeen emphasised Shariah as a fundamental right for Muslims in Ekiti, noting that the establishment of the panel was overdue.
He urged panel members to perform their duties with integrity, fairness, and a deep sense of accountability before Allah.
Justice Kamaldeen also urged Muslim stakeholders in Ekiti to engage with relevant bodies on the need for an Area Court and a Shariah Court of Appeal within the state.
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“The establishment of this independent Shariah panel is an essential first step, yet a temporary arrangement.
“As law-abiding residents, Muslims in Ekiti should have access to a judicial forum to practice Islamic law. The absence of a Shariah Court should not deprive Muslims of their constitutional right to Islamic personal law.”
He further remarked that high courts and magistrate courts lack jurisdiction over Islamic law matters, while customary courts are designated solely for customary law.
“It is unjust for any government to maintain this imbalance, denying Muslims a legitimate forum,” he said, expressing hope that the Ekiti State government will address the need by establishing a Shariah Court.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro, reiterated his administration’s commitment to promoting peace and religious harmony.
Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, President-General of the League of Imams and Alfas for the Southwest, Edo, and Delta, urged the panel members to view their role as a significant responsibility and to enhance their knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence.
Dr Hammed Bakare, President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Ekiti, described the panel as composed of respected scholars, who have pledged to dedicate their time and resources to fulfilling their duties.
He also commended Ekiti State government for accommodating the rights of Muslim students and workers to wear hijab.
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