Stories by Ahmed Muhammed Danasabe, Lokoja
In line with long age tradition of Lokoja traditional stool and following the death of HRH,the Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji(Dr) Muhammadu Kabiru Maikarfi 111, on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, which created a large vacuum to the exalted and coveted throne, the Maigari Maikarfi Ruling House, in conjunction with Lokoja Traditional Council has appointed the Magajin Garin Lokoja, Alhaji Khalifah Etsu Ibrahim Kenchi to lead the Lokoja Muslim Ummah at Eid El-Fitr prayers slated either on Friday 21st or Saturday 22nd April, 2023.
Statements jointly signed by the Secretaries of Maigari Maikarfi Ruling House and Lokoja Traditional Council, Mallam Labaran Abbas and Alhaji Muhammed Usman Nalado respectively and made available to this writer says the appointment of Khalifah Etsu Ibrahim Kenchi is in accordance with the traditions of forefathers.
The statements 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( Dr) 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( Dr) 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 long age tradition, hereby appoint you Khalifah Etsu Ibrahim Kenchi, the Magajin Garin Lokoja to perform same function.
“While we anticipated your acceptance and deligent discharge of this enormous task bestowed on you, accept the assurance of our highest esteem.
The statements therefore concluded by congratulating the entire Lokoja Muslim Ummah a successful Eid- El-Fitr Celebrations in advance.