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Governor Abiodun Stamps Out Sharia Court Plans in Ogun

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Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has issued a stern warning against any attempt to establish a Sharia Court in the state, emphasizing that such courts cannot be legally constituted without the proper legal framework.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Governor Abiodun addressed the circulation of a digital notice announcing the launch of a Sharia Court in Ogun State, clarifying that no Sharia Court is authorized to operate within the state.

He underscored that only courts established under the legal framework of the Nigerian Constitution are recognized, including Magistrates’ Courts, the High Court, Customary Courts, Customary Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court.

“The Ogun State Government has noted the circulation of a digital notice announcing the launch of a Shari’ah Court in Ogun State,” Abiodun stated.

“No Sharia Court is authorized to operate within Ogun State. The courts that are legally empowered to adjudicate disputes arising within Ogun State are those established by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or by State Laws.”

Governor Abiodun further stressed that Sharia law does not form part of the legal framework governing the state, asserting that the state government upholds and protects the rights of individuals to practice their religion freely but draws the line at unauthorized institutions.

“The Ogun State Government recognizes the freedom of individuals to practice their religion or to subscribe to no religion,” he continued. “However, this freedom does not extend to the formation of unauthorized assemblies or institutions. No individual or group is legally permitted to constitute a court or present themselves to the public as a court without legal backing.”

The governor directed those behind the illegal Sharia Court notice to immediately cease their activities and disband the unauthorized entity, warning that they have no legal standing to administer justice.

“The Ogun State Government hereby directs that all persons involved in the creation or operation of this unauthorized court must immediately cease all related activities and disband the illegal entity and all its apparatus,” Abiodun added.

He also urged the public to disregard any summons, documents, or individuals associated with the illegal court, advising that such matters be promptly reported to the authorities.

Abiodun concluded by reaffirming the state’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining the integrity of Ogun’s legal and judicial framework, stressing that the government will prevent any disruption of law and order.

 

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Kano Court Bars CBN from Withholding LG Funds

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A high court in Kano State has issued a permanent injunction restraining the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from withholding funds allocated to the 44 local government areas (LGAs) of the state.

Justice Ibrahim Musa-Muhammad delivered the ruling on Monday after an ex parte motion filed on November 1 by the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Ibrahim Muhammed, and five others. The applicants sought to prevent the respondents from delaying or withholding allocations crucial to local governance.

Respondents in the case included the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), the CBN, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), the 44 Kano LGAs, and commercial banks such as United Bank for Africa and Access Bank.

In November, the court had granted an interim order preventing the CBN and AGF from withholding funds. In his final judgment, Justice Musa-Muhammad ruled in favor of the applicants, affirming that they had established their case.

“The AGF, CBN, and RMAFC are duty-bound to disburse monthly allocations to the 44 LGAs as democratically elected councils,” the judge ruled, emphasizing that withholding the funds would violate the fundamental rights of residents.

Citing sections 33, 42, 43, 44, 45, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as Articles 13, 19, 22, and 24 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the court reinforced the constitutional requirement that local government funds be disbursed without interference.

Legal analysts and stakeholders in Kano welcomed the ruling as a landmark decision. NULGE Chairman Ibrahim Muhammed hailed it as a victory for grassroots governance, stating, “This ruling ensures that local governments receive their rightful allocations without political or bureaucratic interference.”

Senior legal practitioner Barrister Amina Yusuf described the judgment as “a reinforcement of the principle of fiscal federalism,” stressing that local government allocations are a constitutional right, not a privilege.

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Ibadan North Bye-Election Aspirant, ‘Socrates’, Bags NANS Southwest Award

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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone-D (Southwest), the umbrella body representing students across Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti States, has conferred an Award of Honour on one of its former leaders and a frontline aspirant in the forthcoming Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election, Hon. Monsuru Akintunde Adeyemo, popularly known as Socrates.

The prestigious recognition was bestowed during the NANS Zone-D inauguration ceremony held on Monday, February 10, 2025, at the FUOYE Part-time Centre, Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, Ayegbaju, Ekiti State.

While presenting the award, Com. Owolewa Taiwo, NANS Zone-D Coordinator, lauded Adeyemo for his selfless leadership and unwavering commitment to the association and Nigerian students. He described him as a pro-people thinker who served meritoriously and empowered many.

“Our amiable leader, Sir! Indeed, we’re proud of you, and we want to say thank you for all you’ve done for Nigerian students and humanity in general,” Owolewa said.

“On behalf of myself, the executives, leaders here present, and the entire Nigerian students in Yoruba land, I present this Award of Honour to you, Sir, Hon. Monsuru Akintunde Adeyemo (Socrates), in recognition of your invaluable contributions and meritorious service to NANS Southwest (Zone D).

“You’re being honoured with much appreciation and gratitude. May you continually flourish. Congratulations!”

In his appreciation and solidarity message, the politician, Adeyemo who was represented by the immediate past NANS/JCC Chairman in Oyo State and the current NANS Zone-D Contact and Mobilisation Secretary, Comrade Ridwan Ademola Adegoke (Pa Solution), thanked the association for recognising his contributions to students and humanity.

Describing the honour as a challenge to do more, he reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people.

“Indeed, I dearly use this medium to appreciate the current leadership of NANS Zone-D, capaciously led by our own valued brother and esteemed comrade, Owolewa Taiwo. Thank you for this wonderful meritorious ‘Award of Honour’ that was bestowed on me in recognition of my invaluable contributions and meritorious service to NANS Southwest (Zone D) as a leader and former coordinator of the zone.

“I remain pro-people, and I promise to do more.

“I’m humbled by your encomiums and acts of honour. Of course, this award is a testament to my selfless service to the people, and it is dedicated to all my fellow constituents of Ibadan North Federal Constituency and all my supporters at home and in the diaspora. Thank you all.”

Adeyemo, a renowned pan-African activist and communication professional, has been a pillar of support for student activism and youth empowerment, making him a celebrated figure in the Nigerian student movement.

 

 

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Afenifere Chieftain, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Passes Away at 96

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Elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, has passed away. The renowned nationalist died peacefully on Friday morning at his residence in Lekki, Lagos, at the age of 96.

His family confirmed the development in a statement, expressing gratitude for a life dedicated to the service of God, the nation, and humanity.

“With a heart full of gratitude for a selfless life spent in the service of God, the nation, and humanity, we announce the passing on of our beloved patriarch, Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo,” the statement read.

“The foremost nationalist, elder statesman, distinguished lawyer, very distinct politician, apostle of true federalism, former organising secretary of the Action Group, and national leader of Afenifere is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

“We will forever cherish his commitment to fighting for truth, equity, and justice. His belief and struggle for a truly independent and progressive Nigeria was total, and this he fought for until he breathed his last.”

The family noted that consultations are ongoing with Pa Adebanjo’s associates, political allies, and various interest groups to plan a befitting funeral. Details of the burial arrangements will be announced in due course.

Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at his Lagos residence (8, Ayo Adebanjo Close, Lekki Phase 1) and his country home in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Pa Adebanjo was a towering figure in Nigeria’s political history, known for his unwavering advocacy for true federalism, democracy, and justice. His passing marks the end of an era in Yoruba and Nigerian politics.

 

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