The Government of the State of Osun has cancelled the congregational Eid-ul-adha (Sallah) prayers across the State ahead of the July 31 festivities.
It however added that the regular Friday Juma’at service will hold in line with the existing safety protocols and guidelines put in place by the State government.
This is the direct opposite of the directive of the Kaduna State Government allowing Eid prayers in open spaces and banning it inside the mosque.
A statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji on Tuesday, disclosed that the cancellation of the Eid prayer was necessitated by the continuous rise of COVID-19 cases in the State, which he said had escalated into a community transmission stage.
Oyebamiji further said “Having appraised how the state is currently faring with respect to the global health emergency, vis-a-vis the fact that Eid-el- Kabir and Juma’at fall on the same day, there would be no Eid congregation or prayers on Friday, July 31. However, Juma’at service will hold in line with the existing safety protocols and guidelines.
“Osun is still recording rising figures of confirmed COVID-19 cases amidst an active community transmission stage of the pandemic. This coupled with the fact that people whose COVID-19 status has not been ascertained would be travelling into the State from different parts of the country, in the spirit of the celebration.
“Our health managers are also worried by the recent surge in active cases, and have warned that the State could experience galloping figures due to continued disobedience of safety protocols if it allows any kind of specially high density gatherings or congregation. And the State cannot afford the impact of any form of large gathering such as the kind expected at praying grounds and the associated difficulties of enforcing the safety protocols against COVID-19.
“Therefore, the State Government does not want its citizens exposed to this dangerous infection, especially among the aged and those with underlying health conditions”, he added.
The SSG while wishing all Muslim faithful a happy Eid-el-Kabir celebration ahead on behalf of the Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola and the government, assured that the State Government “is not relenting in its fight to curtail the spread of the coronavirus, and to rid the State of it. The government is, and will continue to take necessary actions towards ensuring the safety and security of its people”.
