The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), an Islamic human rights group, has described the directive issued by the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, to dissolve the Shari’ah panel in Ekiti State as unlawful and unconstitutional.
The group labeled the traditional ruler’s actions as “draconian, illegal, illegitimate, and contrary to democratic principles.”
Recall that Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe had ordered the disbandment of the Shari’ah panel after summoning the Chief Imam of Ado Ekiti, Shaykh Jamiu Kewulere, to his palace.
In a statement released on Sunday by MURIC and signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the group condemned the monarch’s action and highlighted its implications for religious freedom in Nigeria.
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The statement read: “The Chief Imam of Ado Ekiti, Shaykh Jamiu Kewulere, was first summoned to the Ewi’s palace where he was allegedly lampooned and ordered to disband the Shari’ah panel.
“MURIC strongly condemns this approach. The Ewi’s order is an affront to Section 38(i)&(ii) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees freedom of religion. It is therefore illegal, illegitimate, unlawful, and unconstitutional. It is draconian, unknown to democratic norms, and alien to global best practices.
“Article 9 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms contains a right to show ‘respect for the religious feelings of believers…’
“The United Nations Charter also criminalizes any attack on freedom of religion. Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) guarantees the right to freedom of religion unconditionally.
“The Ewi of Ado Ekiti was quoted as saying, ‘Let’s disband the committee; it doesn’t exist and it will never exist.’ Note the use of the word ‘never.’
“This is an absolute lack of tolerance for other faiths and a manifestation of tons of hatred for Islam and its adherents. The usurpation of executive power by the traditional ruler of Ado-Ekiti should be condemned by all right-thinking people. It is despicable, preposterous, and outrageous.
“The problem with Nigeria is the impunity of leaders who fail to respect the rule of law but follow their whims and caprices. This is why we continue to have problems, and there will be no solution until our leaders learn how to respect the rule of law and the principles of justice, fairness, and equity.”
MURIC also clarified the purpose of the Shari’ah panel, emphasizing that it is not a court but a committee of Islamic scholars focused on resolving disputes among Muslims regarding marriage and inheritance.
“Churches also set up committees on different matters, and they have not been disturbed in any way. Shari’ah panels also use mosques as venues. They are not courts. No single Christian has ever been summoned to appear before the Shari’ah panels that have been existing in Yorubaland since 2002.
“Anybody who has information contrary to this should come out and tell the world. If this arbitrary order is allowed to stay, very soon we will start receiving orders that mosques should be shut down in Yorubaland,” the statement added
