Shock Ruling: Sharia Panels Can Operate In Southwest Without Governors’ Permission

Justice Abdurraheem Sayi, the Qadi of the Shari’ah Court of Appeal in Kwara State, has declared that Muslims in the South-West do not require state government approval to establish Shari’ah arbitration panels.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking at the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni’s 30th Pre-Ramadan Lecture, themed “The Transformative Power of Ramadan,” Justice Sayi dismissed opposition to the panels as legally unfounded and a display of Islamophobia.

He emphasized that arbitration is purely contractual and does not fall under government regulation, stating:

“The Nigerian Constitution is clear. Arbitration is based on agreement. No approval from the Federal Government is required. Even the President has no authority over the formation of arbitration panels.”

Justice Sayi further asserted that neither religious leaders nor traditional rulers have jurisdiction over Shari’ah arbitration, as private individuals have the legal right to establish such panels.

“We do not need permission from any state authority or monarch. Political parties and associations set up arbitration committees all the time. The Shari’ah panels operate within mosques—so why should pastors or monarchs interfere? They should know their limits.”

The event, held at UNILAG’s J.F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium, was attended by prominent figures including Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and Ogun Deputy Governor Noimot Salako, among others.