Muslim faithful in Bayelsa State on Friday joined the global Ummah to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the 30-day Ramadan fast, amid protests over alleged interference in Islamic leadership affairs by the state government.
While the celebrations were characterised by prayers, gratitude, and spiritual reflection, leaders of the Muslim community used the occasion to voice concerns over what they described as an “imposition” of leadership within the Bayelsa State Council for Islamic Affairs.
Speaking after the Eid prayers, Chairman of the League of Imams, Abusufyan Uche, thanked Allah for granting Muslims the strength to complete the fast and urged adherents to remain steadfast in the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad.
“If Muslims are able to hold the Quran and the practices of the Prophet, the entire human race will be at peace,” he said, while also praying for the deceased and for divine relief amid current economic challenges.
The celebration, however, took a different turn as attention shifted to an ongoing leadership dispute within the Muslim community.
Vice President General of the council, Yakubu Otobo, alleged that his mandate was under threat following attempts by the Special Adviser to the governor on Religious Matters to interfere in the leadership structure.
Otobo explained that after completing his initial five-year tenure in 2023, he was re-elected by the Muslim community, but claimed that external forces were now seeking to override that decision.
Backing the claim, Imam Uche insisted that only Muslims had the right to determine their leadership, alleging that the government official was attempting to impose a candidate on the community.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Muslim Youth Wing, Muhammad Erefagha, called for fairness and respect for religious autonomy, stressing that the Muslim community does not interfere in the affairs of other religious groups.
Despite the tensions, the leaders offered prayers for peace and stability in Nigeria and globally, including ongoing tensions involving Israel, the United States, and Iran.
They also prayed for the success of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and commended the administration of Governor Douye Diri for its support to Muslims during Ramadan, while urging a peaceful resolution of the leadership crisis.
Meanwhile, concerns over the country’s economic situation also featured prominently during the celebration, as Payebouye Salamatu Anyamalem lamented the rising cost of living.
She appealed to the government to address soaring fuel prices, noting that the high cost of goods and services was affecting the ability of citizens to celebrate festive periods comfortably.
As celebrations continued, the Muslim community in the state reiterated its call for peaceful coexistence and the right to manage its internal affairs without external interference.
