The Muslim Lawyers' Association of Nigeria (MULAN), Lagos Branch, has called for continued dialogue on establishing judicial structures that enable Muslims in Lagos State to access Islamic personal law within constitutionally recognised areas. This call was made during a courtesy visit to former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, Adeniji Kazeem, at his office in Lagos. The visit aimed to engage with Muslim leaders and senior members of the legal profession.
The delegation, led by MULAN Lagos Chairman, Adewunmi Ismail Adebayo, congratulated Kazeem on his leadership of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria and commended the organisation's institutional development under his leadership. Adebayo stated that MULAN sought engagement due to Kazeem's experience in the legal profession and his involvement in developing Muslim institutions. The association aims to build stronger relationships with individuals and organisations that can contribute to professional development and access to justice.
MULAN canvassed constructive engagement on creating judicial structures for Muslims who voluntarily seek the application of Islamic personal law in constitutionally recognised areas, including marriage and inheritance. The association argued that properly constituted and regulated institutions could enhance access to justice and generate legitimate filing and administrative revenues for the Lagos State Government. This move is expected to provide an organised adjudicatory framework for Muslims.
The association also called for legislative and policy consideration of the distinctions between customary and Islamic marriages, particularly in relation to marriage registration. MULAN stressed that such issues should be pursued through dialogue, due legal processes, and engagement with relevant institutions and stakeholders. This would ensure that the rights of Muslims are protected and recognised within the existing legal framework.
During the visit, the delegation presented its aspiration to establish a MULAN Lagos multipurpose centre in a strategic location within the state. The proposed facility would provide administrative offices, meeting and training facilities, and other sustainable uses that could strengthen the association institutionally and financially. This centre aims to enhance MULAN's capacity to serve its members and promote Islamic personal law.
Responding to the delegation, Kazeem expressed appreciation for the visit and assured MULAN of his support. He encouraged the association to develop programmes with demonstrable professional and societal impact. Drawing from his experience with Ansar-Ud-Deen, Kazeem stressed the importance of communicating the activities and achievements of Muslim organisations effectively.
Kazeem advised MULAN to focus on "Visibility. Opportunity. Mentorship" to achieve its goals. He believed that by emphasising these aspects, the association could increase its impact and contribute to the development of Muslim institutions in Lagos State. MULAN is expected to take Kazeem's advice into consideration as it continues to engage with stakeholders and promote Islamic personal law.
Key points
- MULAN Lagos Branch seeks judicial structures for Islamic personal law
- The association aims to enhance access to justice for Muslims
- A multipurpose centre is proposed to strengthen MULAN institutionally and financially
