The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has declared that Muslims in the region will continue to follow the religious leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, on all Islamic affairs. This statement counters alleged attempts by “divisive elements” to create a rift within the Nigerian Muslim community for political reasons.
Speaking on behalf of the Muslim Ummah in Oyo Land, Imam Akeugberu stated, “The Ummah in Oyo Land will, by the will of Allah, follow the leadership of the Sultan in all Islamic-related matters.” He emphasized that this position is rooted in Islamic tradition, aligning with the teachings of the Qur’an and the Hadith.
The declaration specifically addresses the commencement of Ramadan. In an official statement, Imam Akeugberu announced that Oyo Land will not independently declare the start of the fasting month. Instead, Muslims there will await the official moon-sighting announcement from the Sultan of Sokoto, who serves as the spiritual leader for Nigerian Muslims.
“The general public is hereby notified to await the official announcement from His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, regarding the commencement of the Ramadan fasting,” the statement read. Imam Akeugberu, a legal practitioner and former Secretary General of the Amalgamated Muslim Rights Concern (AMURIC), signed the communique from his office.
This reaffirmation underscores the Sultan of Sokoto’s recognized role as the foremost authority on Islamic jurisprudence and moon-sighting in Nigeria. By endorsing a unified national approach, the leadership in Oyo Land aims to preserve communal harmony and adherence to established religious practice amid reported efforts to fragment Muslim consensus.
Muslims across Nigeria now await the Sultan’s official sighting committee report, which will determine the start of Ramadan. The coordinated stance from Oyo Land highlights a commitment to a centralized, traditional process for marking the holy month, reinforcing national unity within the faith.
