Alake, Obasa charge Muslims on love, Ibadan imam observes prayers

The Chief Imam of Ibadan, Abdul-Ganiyy Agbotomokekere, defied the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA)’s directive not to observe this year’s Eid-el-Fitr and led Muslims to observe prayers yesterday.

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, was also at the praying ground in Agodi Gate area of the city.

However, the Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria (MUSWEN) at the end of Ramadan 1439H, urged all Islamic stakeholders to search “for crescent of the month of Shawwal 1439H, which shall be after sunset on June 14, 2018.”

MUSWEN in a statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Professor Dawud O. S. Noibi, requested all stakeholders to fully comply with NSCIA’s directive.

However, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo has urged Moslems to sustain the gains of Ramadan, which he said, included piety, forgiveness, compassion, mutual love, understanding and care for the poor.

The monarch stated this in his Sallah message, saying: “The recent happenings in Nigeria, which to a large extent, concern Egbaland and our illustrious son, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, have abundantly shown that people can only move forward in happiness and prosperity if there is justice, fair play, remorse and true forgiveness”.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, urged Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of love, irrespective of religious differences.

In his Eid-el-Fitr message, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Musbau Rasak, he said embracing peace and unity would move the nation forward.