Dr Rafiu Bello, Chairman of the Sharia Committee of Oyo town, has confirmed that Sharia Panel has commenced sitting in the town.
Bello said the panel is operational, holding sessions every Thursday to address marital disputes, inheritance issues, and land conflicts.
The panel sits at the Central Mosque in Akesan, Oyo.
“Nigerian law permits Sharia, and our panel is open to all, though designed for Muslims who voluntarily seek resolution under Islamic law,” Bello said.
He noted that similar panels already are in place and functioning in Ogbomoso, Kisi, Saki, and Ibadan.
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria had initially suspended the panel’s inauguration in January following public outcry.
However, Bello stated that proceedings have now begun in earnest.
However, Oyo State government has decided to go to court to seek redress over the establishment of Sharia Panels in the state.
Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration insists that only the state or federal government has the authority to establish judicial bodies.
The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, confirmed the government’s stance in response to inquiries about the panel, which has already begun sittings.
“The governor was clear from the outset: if it’s a constitutional matter, we must refer to the Constitution.
“Does it permit the establishment of a Sharia panel or court?
“If proponents claim it does, we will test it in court. We believe it doesn’t,” Olanrewaju stated.
He emphasised that only recognized state or federal institutions can legally set up judicial panels.
“A panel that adjudicates on people’s affairs must have state backing. Otherwise, it’s illegal,” he said.
Also reacting, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Oyo State, Rev. Joshua Akinyemiju, expressed surprise, claiming no knowledge of the panel’s operations.
“I knew they planned this earlier, but after protests, it was postponed indefinitely.
“If they’ve proceeded secretly, we will investigate,” he said.
(Sahara Reporters/vitalnewsngr.com)
