- The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has announced that Ramadan 1446 AH (2025) will begin on Saturday, March 1
- The move fuels discussions about religious independence among Southwestern Muslims, challenging the centralised authority of the Sultan of Sokoto
- However, neither the Sultan of Sokoto nor the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has responded to this independent decision.
In a historic move, the League of Imams and Alfas in the South West has declared that Ramadan 1446 AH (2025) will commence on Saturday, March 1.
The decision marks a break from the long-standing tradition of awaiting an official pronouncement from the Sultan of Sokoto, who is widely regarded as the spiritual head of Muslims in Nigeria.
According to a communiqué issued by the Grand Mufti’s Office, the decision is based on precise astronomical calculations and resolutions from leading Islamic councils and international conferences, including those held in Istanbul, Paris, and within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
These sources confirm that the crescent moon, which signals the beginning of Ramadan, will be visible after sunset on Friday, February 28, thereby making March 1 the official start of the fasting period.
The League emphasised its reliance on Islamic teachings, referencing the well-known hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
"Fast when you see the crescent and break your fast when you see it."
This declaration has reignited discussions on religious independence among Yoruba Muslims, some of whom have previously questioned the centralised authority of the Sultan of Sokoto in Islamic affairs.
The development follows recent controversies, particularly the Sultan’s advocacy for the implementation of Sharia law in Yorubaland; an idea that was strongly rejected by the Yoruba Nation Self-Determination Movement, which described it as an overreach of authority.
In its statement, the League of Imams and Alfas also cited the findings of the Unified Hijri Calendar Committee and the International Fiqh Council, confirming that the astronomical new moon will occur at 12:45 AM UTC on February 28.
The crescent moon is expected to be visible in various regions worldwide, either with the naked eye or with the aid of observation tools.
As of now, neither the Sultan of Sokoto nor the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has responded to this independent declaration.
Afenifere, CAN, other groups reject push for Sharia law in Southwest
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Christian and Muslim leaders in the Southwest rejected the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs' push for a Sharia arbitration panel, citing concerns over its implications.
Governments and traditional rulers, including in Ekiti, objected to the panel, asserting that existing legal frameworks were sufficient for resolving disputes within the Muslim community.