BREAKING: Eid prayer begins at Ogbomoso Old Eid Praying Ground despite hullabaloo
Khalid ABRAHAM
The Old Eid Praying Ground, opposite Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, General Area Ogbomoso, has come to life after many years with the commencement of 2024 Eid-Fitri prayer marking the end of Ramadan.
Advertisement
Recall there have been heated controversies over the use of the place after Muslim leaders in the city led by Aare Musulumi of Ogbomosolans Alhaji Abdulganiyu Atanda Owodunni, raised ruckus about the right of the Chief Imam Sheikh Yunus Taliat Oluwaseun Ayilara to continue to lead Muslim prayers over his paternity issue
They refused to continue to acknowledge him and demanded his removal following which the Chief Imam took the matter to court.
Advertisement
The opponents subsequently decided to use the old praying ground for this year’s eid prayer to mark end of Ramadan as against the new eid praying ground at Ajeja/Temidire along Irresa-adu road, a decision strongly opposed by the Chief Imam and his supporters.
A meeting in Ibadan on Sunday reportedly claimed the Commissioner of Police of Oyo state directed the place be used though there was no official statement.
On Monday stern looking policemen took over the ground which was interpreted as enforcement of the reported directive, making as at Tuesday the leaders opposed to the Chief Imam to change the venue to Ajikeola ground further down.
However this morning Ogbomoso Insight found the old eid praying ground being used for the prayer.
Advertisement
Alhaji Abdulganiyu Abdulsalam Ayibata, the Mufasir of Ogbomosoland is presently on the podium.
Some other Muslim leaders at the venue are Aare Musulumi Alhaji Owodunni, Basorun Musulumi, Allhaji Alimi Sarumi; Balogun Musulumi, Alhaji Abdulrasaq Bello; Pakoyi Adinni, Alhaji Alimi Surajudeen and Onibapon of Ibapon, Alhaji Abdulwahab Asifa.
Others are expected to join the prayer billed to start at 10am.
Meanwhile the cleric that will lead the prayer is ye to be unveiled.
