Two Popular Islamic Scholars, Sheik Dahiru Usman Bauchi, and the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniyu Abubakr Agbotomokekere has shunned the directive of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, to observe the Eid-Fitr prayers on Wednesday.
The Sultan of Sokoto who also doubles as the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), had declared Thursday as Eid-ul-Fitr day, in a statement issued by the chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of Sultanate Council in Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Junaidu.
However, contrary to the directive of the Sultan, Eid prayers held at the Bauchi residence of Sheik Usman Bauchi on Wednesday.
It was gathered that one of the cleric’s children, Tijjani Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, led the congregation with the cleric and several other Muslims faithfuls in attendance.
Similarly, the Chief Imam of Ibadan, on Wednesday performed Eid prayer at the Ibadan Central Eid praying ground, Agodi.
The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Rauf Olaniyan, the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, were among prominent personalities who observed the Eld-Fitri prayers at the prayer ground.
Other top personalities present at the Eid prayer included Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party Southwest Chapter, Chief Taofeek Arapaja; Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Olawale Abdul-Mojeed Mogbonjubola and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Sustainable Development Goals, Mr. Kunle Yusuf.
The New Diplomat gathered that the decision of the two clerics to hold Eld-Fitri prayers on Wednesday, contrary to the directive of the Sultan might not be unconnected with the fact that some Muslims faithfuls believe that the mandatory 30 days of fasting had been completed on Tuesday. Hence, it is necessary to observe the Eld-Fitri prayers on Wednesday.
