Magajin Garin Lokoja To Lead Muslim Ummah At Sallah

In line with the practice of the Lokoja traditional stool and following the death of the Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Muhammadu Kabiru Maikarfi 111, on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, the Maigari Maikarfi Ruling House in conjunction with Lokoja Local Government Area Traditional Council has appointed the Magajin Garin Lokoja, Alhaji Khalifah Etsu Ibrahim Kenchi, to lead the Muslim Ummah at this year’s Eid-el-Fitr prayers on Friday, April 21 or Saturday, April 22, 2023.

In a statement jointly signed by the secretaries of Maigari Maikarfi Ruling House and Lokoja Local Government Area Traditional Council, Mallam Labaran Abbas and Alhaji Muhammed Usman Nalado respectively, they said the appointment of Kenchi was in accordance with the tradition of their forefathers.

The statement read in parts, “You may wish to note that this year Eid El-Fitr would hold either on Friday 21st or Saturday 22nd April, 2023 and considering the vacuum created by the death of our revered Royal father, HRH, Alhaji Muhammadu Kabiru Maikarfi 111, the Maigari Maikarfi Ruling House hereby appoint you to lead the 2023 Eid-el-Fitr prayers/celebrations.

“Your appointment is in accordance with the traditions of our forefathers. Recall that the demise of HRH, Alhaji Yahaya Muhammadu Maikarfi 11, on the 31st of March, 1992, the then Magajin Garin Lokoja, Sheikh Shuaibu Kenchi who is second in command to the Late Alhaji Yahaya Muhammadu Maikarfi was saddled with the leadership to lead the entire Muslim Ummah of Lokoja for the 1992 Eid-el-Fitr prayers/celebrations.

“Also in 1992, HRH, Alhaji Muhammadu Kabiru Maikarfi 111 was appointed as the Amirul Hajj by the Kogi State government, it was the same Magajin Gari that led the Eid-el-Kabir prayers/celebrations on his behalf.

“In the light of the above, the Muhammadu Maikarfi Ruling House, in keeping with our age-long tradition, hereby appoint Khalifah Etsu Ibrahim Kenchi, the Magajin Garin Lokoja to perform the same function.

“While we anticipated your acceptance and diligent discharge of this enormous task bestowed on you, accept the assurance of our highest esteem.”

The statement concluded by wishing the entire Lokoja Muslim Ummah a successful Eid-el-Fitr celebration in advance.