The Muslim Ummah in the Southwest, MUSWEN, yesterday Issued a statement against the action of the Chief Imam Of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniyu Agbotomokekere.
Agbotomokekere had yesterday led some Ibadan people to an Eid-l-fitr prayer, which signals the end of Ramadhan fasting for year 1439 (2018).
The action was contrary to the directive of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, which has informed Muslim faithful to observe this year’s Eid-el-Ftri today (Friday).
The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, was among those who prayed behind the Chief Imam at the Agodi Gate praying ground.
In a statement yesterday, MUSWEN urged faithful to abide by the directive of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, which announce the end of Ramadan fast last night, Thursday.
A statement by MUSWEN Executive Secretary/CEO, Prof Dawud O. S. Noibi, reads: “The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) hereby calls the attention of all stakeholders in the Southwest to the statement issued by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) earlier today on the end of Ramadan 1439 AH.
“By NSCIA’s directive, the 29th day of Ramadan falls on Thursday, June 14 (yesterday). As such, the search for the crescent for the month of Shawwal 1439 AH shall be after sunset on Thursday, June 14.
“Depending on the outcome of the search for the crescent and the subsequent formal pronouncement by the Sultan of Sokoto/President-General of NSCIA, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Eid-el-Fitr can only fall on either Friday, June 15, (if Ramadan is 29 days)…”
“We, therefore, request all stakeholders to fully comply with NSCIA’s directive.”
Despite this directive, there were prayers in parts of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, led by the Chief Imam of the city.
Efforts to speak with the Chief Imam proved abortive as his aides did not allow him to grant interviews.
A member of the congregation, who also observed prayer at the Agodi Praying Ground, Akeem Olabiyi, said many faithful started their fasting a day before others.
Ibadan Chief Imam observes Eid-el-Fitr prayer.
