* Grand Chief Imams affirm loyalty to NSCIA leadership, reject divisive calls
Muslims in Lagos and Oyo states have reaffirmed their commitment to the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad III, on all religious matters, particularly the commencement of Ramadan fasting through moon sighting.
The stance rejects calls by a few fringe groups attempting to create division for personal or public attention.
The confirmation came in separate press releases from the Grand Chief Imams of Lagos and Oyo, Sheikh (Engr.) Sulaimon Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla and Sheikh Barr Bilaal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, respectively.
According to Muslim News, the announcements reflect a continued effort to promote unity among Nigerian Muslims during Ramadan and to uphold traditional Islamic authority under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto.
In Lagos, the Chief Imam’s statement emphasized that the Muslim community will patiently await the Sultan’s order and official declaration, in line with the dictates of Shari’ah.
“This has been our yearly practice, and we will do it again this year to promote unity among Muslims, in line with the injunction of the Qur’an, where Allah commands us to follow Him, His Messenger, and those in authority among us,” the statement read.
Similarly, in Oyo State, the Grand Chief Imam of Oyoland urged the public to await the Sultan’s announcement, saying:
“The Ummah in Oyo will, bi’idhnillah, follow the leadership of the Sultan in all Islamic-related matters, in conformity with the sunnatic trajectory as enshrined in our textual authorities: the Glorious Qur’an and the Hadith of our noble and beloved Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.”
The statements underscore the commitment of Muslims in Lagos and Oyo to maintain unity and adherence to established religious authority as Ramadan approaches.
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