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Ewi-in-Council disbands Ekiti Sharia Panel
The Ewi-in-Council has directed the Chief Imam of Ekiti State and President General League of Imams and Alfa Yoruba land, alEdo and Delta, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, to disband the Sharia Panel recently constituted by the Islamic body in the State.
It will be recalled that the Independent Shari’ah Arbitration Panel held its inaugural sitting in Ado Ekiti, aimed at providing arbitration based on Islamic jurisprudence.
Addressing journalists in Ado Ekiti during a meeting with the President of the League of Imams and Alfas, South-West, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, a representative of the Ewi-in-Council and the Odogun of Ado Ekiti, explained that the panel had been misunderstood by the public, necessitating its dissolution to maintain peace in the state.
In his defence of the initiative, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere acknowledged the panel’s existence, stating that it was established primarily to resolve disputes among couples and handle inheritance issues among children within the Muslim community.
He clarified that the panel’s operations were not akin to the conventional application of Sharia law but rather aimed at fostering peace and resolving conflicts within the Islamic faith.
“We have no issues with people of other religions. If anyone wants to disrupt the peace here, we will not tolerate it,” he said.
“Our sole desire in Ekiti is peace, nothing else. The committee was set up to settle disputes among Muslim couples.
“We do not practise discrimination or harbour hatred towards anyone. Sharia, as we use it, is often misunderstood.
In this case, it’s a system to address inheritance and marriage disputes that are common within the Muslim community.
The goal is to resolve these matters amicably and prevent violence.”
Despite these clarifications, the Ewi-in-Council instructed the Chief Imam to disband the panel immediately for the greater good of Ekiti residents.
“The situation in Nigeria is fragile, and we must tread carefully,” the Ewi-in-Council stated. “You have been resolving issues for years without this committee.
While your intentions may be genuine, the public’s interpretation is different, and it could lead to unrest. For the sake of peace, the committee must be disbanded without delay.”
Let always be seen promoting understanding and peaceful coexistence.
Having a Sharia panel for Muslims doesn’t have to be intimidating to non-Muslims. Instead, it can be an opportunity for mutual understanding and respect.
We should strive for inclusivity, where everyone has the freedom to practice their own faith and culture. Let’s work together to create a society where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels valued and respected.
Respectful coexistence requires:
– Recognizing the right to religious freedom
– Embracing diversity and promoting understanding
– Fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect
By doing so, we can build a harmonious society where everyone thrives.”