Ekiti State: Shari’ah Arbitration Panel holds maiden sitting to resolve disputes

The Independent Shari’ah Arbitration Panel in Ekiti State held its first public sitting in Ado Ekiti, offering arbitration based on Islamic jurisprudence.

The panel, led by three Kadhis — Imam Abdullahi Abdul-Mutolib, Imam Abdulraheem Junaid-Bamigbola, and Dr. Ibrahim Aminullahi-Ogunrinde — adjudicated two marriage-related cases.

The panel was officially inaugurated in October 2024 by the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Ado Ekiti, providing a platform for Muslims and willing participants to resolve disputes in line with Islamic principles.

In the first case, the panel resolved a marital dispute through a consent judgment, facilitated by earlier interventions from the couple’s family members, which led to a peaceful settlement. In the second case, a wife accused her husband of neglecting his marital responsibilities. After hearing both parties, the case was adjourned until January 30 for further investigation to ensure a fair outcome.

Imam Abdul-Mutolib highlighted the importance of both partners fearing Allah and adhering to His teachings in marriage, encouraging wives to be submissive to their husbands and content with their provisions.

Hammed Bakare, President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Ekiti State, underlined that the Shari’ah arbitration process is voluntary and adheres strictly to Islamic principles.