The Impartial Shari’ah Arbitration Panel in Ekiti State held its first public sitting final Thursday on the Oja Oba Central Mosque, Ado-Ekiti, amid rising opposition from Yoruba socio-cultural {groups}.
Residents confirmed the event, whereas the Government Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Prof. Ishaq Akintola, praised the transfer as a step ahead for justice inside the Muslim neighborhood.
The panel, presided over by three Kadhis—Imam Abdullahi Abdul-Mutolib, Imam Abdulraheem Junaid-Bamigbola, and Dr. Ibrahim Aminullahi-Ogunrinde—addressed two marriage-related disputes.
The primary case was resolved peacefully by a consent judgment facilitated by household interventions, whereas the second case, involving allegations of neglect by a husband, was adjourned till January 30 for additional investigation.
Regardless of the panel’s give attention to resolving disputes inside the Muslim neighborhood, opposition has emerged, primarily from the UK and Europe branches of the Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere.
The group rejected requires the institution of Shari’ah regulation within the South-West, warning that such initiatives might create disunity amongst Yoruba individuals.
Afenifere said that the South-West is culturally distinct from the predominantly Muslim Northern area and cautioned in opposition to dividing the Yoruba alongside spiritual traces.
“This area is understood for its intelligence and enlightenment. We should not enable ourselves to be divided by faith,” the group said.