No Sharia Court Is Authorised To Operate In Ogun - Governor Abiodun

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has issued a strong warning against any attempt to establish a Sharia Court in the state without legal authorization.

In a statement personally signed by him on Tuesday, Abiodun maintained that no individual or group has the authority to create a court outside the legal framework established by the Nigerian Constitution. The statement was in response to a circulating notice announcing the launch of a Sharia Court in the state.

The governor explained that only constitutionally recognized courts, such as Magistrates’ Courts, High Courts, Customary Courts, and appellate courts, have jurisdiction in Ogun State. He stated that Sharia law is not part of the state’s judicial system.

Abiodun, however, said the government would uphold and protect the rights of individuals to practice the religion of their choice, or to subscribe to no religion. He counseled that this freedom does not extend to forming unauthorized courts or institutions. He directed those behind the Sharia Court notice to immediately cease operations and disband their activities.

The government also urged residents to ignore any summons or documents issued by the unauthorized court and report such incidents to the authorities. Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining order in the state.