By George Omagbemi Sylvester
A prominent cleric in Sokoto state has defied a directive from the Sultan of Sokoto and led an Eid‑el‑Fitr prayer on Thursday, 19 March 2026, setting off a fresh controversy within Nigeria’s Muslim community.
The Sultan had earlier instructed that Eid prayers be observed on Friday, 20 March 2026, in line with the national moon‑sighting committee’s announcement. However, the cleric proceeded on Thursday, drawing both support and criticism.
Eyewitnesses say the prayer, held at a central mosque in Sokoto city, attracted a large congregation, indicating widespread local support for the early observance. Supporters argue that independent moon sighting by some Islamic scholars justified the earlier celebration. However, critics (including traditional and religious authorities) condemned the act as undermining communal unity and established religious leadership.
The development highlights a longstanding tension between traditional religious authorities and independent scholars over moon‑sighting and the timing of Islamic festivals in Nigeria. While different Muslim communities sometimes diverge in observance dates, Sokoto’s case has drawn attention because the Sultan of Sokoto, a respected national religious figure, had expressly called for a unified schedule.
The incident may fuel broader debates about religious authority, local autonomy, and the importance of cohesion in national religious observances.
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