Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi defies Sultan, holds Eid on Wednesday

Renowned Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, conducted Eid prayers on Wednesday.

This is against the directive of Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, who asked Muslims in the country to continue with fasting on Wednesday.

Sultan, the spiritual head of Muslims in the country, had declared Thursday, May 13, 2021, as the day of Salat and the first day of Shawwal.

But Eid prayers held at the Bauchi residence of Sheik Bauchi on Wednesday.

One of the cleric’s children, Tijjani Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, led the congregation with the cleric in attendance.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi has justified the decision to hold Eid Prayers on Wednesday.

Addressing Muslims after the prayers at his residence, Sheikh Bauchi said the moon of the month of Shawwal was sighted on Tuesday.

He said the moon was seen in places such as Gombe, Gadau, Kebbi, Bauchi, Argungu, Nassarawa, Maradun and other places.

“Based on these reports that the moon was sighted, what is said by two righteous people when they see it is enough for us people, or a large crowd.

“That is why we have now come to perform the Eid prayers because the month of Ramadan is over, the month of Shawwal has arrived.”

Similarly, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniyu Abubakry Agbotomokekere, on Wednesday, performed Eid prayers at the Ibadan Central Eid praying ground, Agodi.

Among those in attendance were the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Rauf Olaniyan and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji.