EID-IL KABIR: Ogun Govt Bans Public Gathering Amid COVID19

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abidoun has said that there would not be any form of “Eid” prayer or any form of public gathering in respect of the Eid-il Kabir in the State this year.

The Governor noted that the ravaging COVID-19 has made the cancellation inevitable.

“It is in line with the resolution of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) in the State,” he said, adding that each family in the State should help in the battle against the pandemic by following the Covid-19 guildelines and observing their “Eid” prayer at home.

Prince Dapo Abidoun made this known at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

He said that the Eid-il-Kabir celebration in the State would follow the same pattern with the Eid-il-Fitri at the conclusion of the Ramadan Fast, two months ago.

“I understand that “Ileya” celebration will be on Friday, 31st July, 2020. However, having considered the prevalent circumstances as dictated by COVID-19, this Eid-il-Kabir celebration in Ogun State will follow the same pattern as we had during the last Eid-il-Fitri at the conclusion of Ramadan fast, two months ago, We are guided by the counsel of the Ulammah, and especially, in line with the resolution of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).

“Let me state, therefore, that there will not be any form of “Eid” prayer or any form of gathering in Ogun State. Therefore, each family will have to observe the “Eid” prayer at home. We beseech our citizens to stay safe by staying at home; there will not be any form of festivities or any gathering that violate the COVID-19 protocols of not more than 20 people at a time,” he said.

The Governor also noted that the new Chief Imam is not just a spiritual leader to Muslims alone, but now belongs to an echelon of leaders in the society.

He added that he believes the new Chief Imam would use his spiritual office not just to provide ambience for the spiritual development of the people but also set a great example for the people.

In his response,the Chief Imam, Sheik Sadalahi Bamgbola thanked the Governor for his support towards the Muslim community in the State, adding that the Muslim community would continue to give the Governor all the support he requires in his task to make the state a better place for the people.