The differences in opinion on the timetable to be adopted for prayer and fast in year 2020 has caused disquiet among members of Edo State Council of Traditional rulers and Chiefs.

At the Council’s meeting on December 27, 2019, the Council held a meeting at the palace of Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II in Benin City, Edo State, resolved that a day should be set aside for the general fasting and prayers in the first quarter of 2020 in Edo State.

But, to the surprise of the members of the Council, the Second Vice Chairman of the Council and the State Chairman of leader of Muslims leaders in the State, Alhaji Haliru Momoh, Ikelebe III, in a Press release that was endorsed by Alhaji Usman Abuda after the meeting he also attended the, proclaimed a fast for January 2, 2020 in the name of the Council.

On Tuesday December 31, 2019, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr Monday Osaigbovo, faulted the decision of Alhaji Otaru, the Chairman of the Council for speaking on behalf of the Council and discountenanced reports in Media.

Osaigbovo argued that no specific date was fixed at the meeting, but, quited Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, as wishing the People of Edo state a peaceful 2020 celebration.

“The Oba who is the permanent Chairman of the Council, said at the meeting it was decided that a day should be set aside for the general fasting and prayers”, he said.

According to him, “The Oba of Benin urged the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs to pray for the Progress and peace of Edo State so that the Labour of our heroes past shall not be in vain”.

A religious leader who spoke on condition of anonymity, said it is wrong for anyone to determine the timetable for prayer and fast.

He said, “so prayers are determined according to the people’s needs”, he said.

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