The University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA) is gearing up to host its 30th annual pre-Ramadan public lecture, focusing on the contentious issue of Shari’ah arbitration in South-West Nigeria. Scheduled for Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the J.F. Ajayi Auditorium, UNILAG, the event aims to shed light on the ongoing debate surrounding the adoption of Shari’ah arbitration panels as a voluntary alternative dispute resolution mechanism for Muslims in the region. The lecture, themed “The Transformative Power of Ramadan,” will delve into topics such as “Islam at the Intersection of Humanity and Religion” and “Shari’ah in South-West Nigeria,” aiming to educate the public and dispel misconceptions surrounding this sensitive subject. The UMA has assembled a distinguished panel of speakers and dignitaries, including Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as keynote speaker and former Zamfara State Governor Senator Abdul’aziz Yari as chairman of the occasion.
The debate around Shari’ah arbitration has intensified in recent weeks, particularly following an incident in Ekiti State where a traditional ruler reportedly prohibited the establishment of a Shari’ah panel. This action has further fueled the discussion and underscores the need for open dialogue and public education on the nature and purpose of such panels. The UMA seeks to address this need through the pre-Ramadan lecture, featuring prominent legal scholars like Prof. Mashood Baderin of the University of London, an expert in Islamic law and international human rights law, and Justice Abdur-Raheem Ahmad Sayi of the Shari’ah Court of Appeal, Ilorin. Their expertise will provide valuable insights into the legal and ethical considerations surrounding Shari’ah arbitration.
The UMA emphasizes that Shari’ah arbitration panels are intended to serve as a voluntary alternative dispute resolution mechanism for Muslims who choose to utilize them, mirroring existing frameworks for other religious and cultural groups within the South-West. They argue that this system complements existing legal structures rather than supplanting them. The lecture seeks to clarify the role and scope of these panels, addressing concerns about their potential impact on the broader legal landscape. The UMA also aims to highlight the benefits of Shari’ah arbitration, such as its focus on community-based reconciliation and adherence to Islamic principles of justice.
Dr. Mumuni Alao, President of the UMA, has extended a warm invitation to Nigerians of all backgrounds to attend the lecture, stressing the importance of fostering understanding and dispelling misconceptions about Shari’ah arbitration. He highlighted the significance of the pre-Ramadan lecture as a major annual event in Lagos and the South-West, firmly established in UNILAG’s academic calendar. Alao expressed confidence that the 30th-anniversary edition, with its timely and relevant theme, will be a rewarding experience for all participants as they prepare for the holy month of Ramadan.
The event will also feature UNILAG Vice-Chancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola as chief host and the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adeola Matemilola, as Royal Father of the Day. Their presence underscores the importance of the event and its relevance to the broader community. The choice of speakers and dignitaries reflects UMA’s commitment to providing a balanced and informative platform for discussing this complex issue.
By hosting this lecture, the UMA aims to contribute to a more informed and nuanced public discourse on Shari’ah arbitration. They hope to foster greater understanding and cooperation between different communities in the South-West, promoting peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. The event promises to be a significant platform for engaging with critical questions about law, religion, and cultural diversity in contemporary Nigeria, as well as offering insights into the transformative potential of Ramadan.
