The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdul Ganiyy Abubakri Agbotomokekere, has said his decision to celebrate Eid-el-Fitri on Saturday, is in accordance with the true tradition and dictates of Islam.
Sheikh Agbotomokekere stated this on Saturday in Ibadan.
According to Nigerian Tribune, he said this after leading a section of Muslims in the city to say the Eid-el-Fitr prayers on Saturday.
He explained that Saturday was ideally Eid Day because the 30-day Ramadan fast effectively ended on Friday.
The Sultan of Sokoto and acclaimed leader of Muslims in the country and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had announced on Friday that there were no reports of any sighting of the moon yesterday and, therefore declared Saturday the 30th day of Ramadan and today, Sunday, Eid-el-Fitr Day.
But Imam Agbotomokekere, who spoke in Yoruba, insisted that he acted in accordance with the true tradition and dictates of Islam by celebrating Eid-el-Fitr yesterday (Saturday).
“We observed 30 days of fasting, which ended yesterday (Friday), and are celebrating Eid-el-Fitr today. Our belief and action are rooted in the application of the sound and impeccable Islamic knowledge that we acquired.