League of Imams In Yorubaland Break-Off From Sultan’s Tradition, Declares March 1 As Start Of Ramadan.
The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has announced that Ramadan 1446 AH (2025) will commence on Saturday, 1st March 2025, breaking from the long-standing practice of waiting for an official declaration from the Sultan of Sokoto, who is traditionally regarded as the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims.
In a communiqué issued by the Office of the Grand Mufti of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, the decision was attributed to precise astronomical calculations and resolutions from international Islamic conferences on lunar sighting. The statement referenced expert findings from Islamic jurisprudential councils, as well as conferences held in Istanbul, Paris, and within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
According to these findings, the crescent moon marking the beginning of Ramadan will be visible after sunset on Friday, 28th February 2025, making 1st March the first day of fasting. The communiqué also referenced the hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which states:
“Fast when you see the crescent and break your fast when you see it.” (Agreed upon by scholars).
This announcement signifies a shift in religious autonomy among Yoruba Muslims, who have previously expressed concerns about their independence in religious affairs. The decision could spark further discussions on the structure of Islamic leadership in Nigeria.
In a related development, the Yoruba Nation Self-Determination Movement recently criticised the Sultan of Sokoto, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, over his call for the implementation of Sharia law in Yorubaland. The group, led by Professor Banji Akintoye, described the statement as “disrespectful,” arguing that no Islamic provision mandates Yoruba Muslims to recognise the Sultan as their leader.
The movement also refuted claims that Yoruba people are denying Muslims their religious rights, dismissing such allegations as unfounded.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Sultan of Sokoto or the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) regarding this independent declaration.
