Ogbomoso: 2026 Hijira celebration held in unity
Fatai ADEWUYI
Advertisement
Advertisement
Islam’s new calendar year called Hijira has historical origin as it shows the Holy Prophet Mohammed, PBOTH’s migration from Mecca to Medina about 1448 years ago. He was being persecuted in Mecca, his fatherland, for introducing a new faith, Islam. He left Mecca with some of his followers, on Allah’s order, to Medina, where he was warmly received. Since then, that migration called Hijira has become the start of Islam’s calendar, heralding the reign of that faithful religion, Islam, in Saudi Arabia and the whole world.
Advertisement
Hijira has since then become an occasion to be celebrated and the Nigerian government has been declaring holiday for the occasion. That Hijira is celebrated in Ogbomoso is age long though on local government basis but this year’s Hijira was jointly celebrated. This year’s Hijira was held on Saturday, 20th June, 2026, at the old Eid ground, Imam and Alfa Secretariat, opposite LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso. This year’s 1448 AD, 2026 Hijira’s celebration was organised by the Muslim Community of Oyo State (MUSCOY), Ogbomoso Zone, to show its all-inclusive nature. His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi was the royal father of the day; some other royal fathers were HRH Oba Aminulahi Tajudeen, Iba Abogunde; HRH Oba Iwinkunle Alaroje, among others. The occasion was co-chaired by Ogbomoso North Local government chairman Honourable George Ogunlade and Baba Anu Idi-Oro. Other guests were Senator Fatai Buhari, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Owodunni, Alhaji Shittu Sarumi, Alhaji Yusuf Misasco, Prince Abdul Azeez Olaniran, Alhaji Ishaq Sanusi and so on. The spiritual fathers at the occasion included the Chief Imam of Soun Palace, Imam Habeebulahi Ayilara; Sheik Alhaji Abdulahi Hamoda Tijani Sarumi Ayilara among other Islamic scholars and dignitaries.
Advertisement
Advertisement
The guest speaker at the occasion was Sheik Abdul Mumin Shehu Usman, an Islamic scholar. He delivered a powerful sermon on the history and importance of Hijira and its implication for the Muslim Ummah. In the sermon, he called for unity among Muslims and asked the Muslims Ummah to shun violence and banditry. He finally pointed out numerous benefits of Hijira among which was unity among the ummah.
Advertisement
The organizing committee for the occasion consisted of members of Imams and Alfas under the chairmanship of Alhaji Aremole. The anchor of the occasion was Sheikh Animasahun. Many Muslims were honoured with awards, while many schools participated in the parade session. Oba Ghandi was awarded with the “Best Monarch Award,” presented by the Chief Imam of Soun Palace, Imam Habeebulahi Ayilara.
The event ended in unity and harmony among Muslims. May we witness many more of it on earth. Aamin.
Alhaji Adewuyi, a member of Ogbomoso Muslim Justice Forum, OMJF, sends this piece via 08130851574.
Leave a Reply