By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
The Edo State Musaabaqah Board has distanced itself from a purported meeting allegedly held on April 6, 2026, at the palace of the Otaru of Auchi, declaring that the gathering was unauthorized and its outcomes invalid.
In a press statement issued on April 8, 2026, the Acting Chairman of the Board, Alhaji Aliyu Kelvin Danesi, said the meeting had earlier been officially cancelled by the Board, urging the public and stakeholders to disregard any claims or resolutions arising from it.
According to the statement, the cancellation directive was communicated through the Acting Coordinator of the Edo State Musaabaqah, Hamza Umar Usman, following the discovery that the meeting was convened without due process, proper consultation, or approval from the Board’s leadership.
The Board described it as “highly unfortunate and regrettable” that some individuals proceeded with the gathering despite the official directive, noting that such actions amount to a breach of established procedures and an attempt to mislead the public.
Consequently, the Board categorically stated that the meeting does not represent its authority and that all resolutions or decisions purportedly reached are “null and void and of no effect whatsoever.”
The statement reaffirmed that Alhaji Aliyu Kelvin Danesi remains the Acting Chairman of the Edo State Musaabaqah Board until leadership is formally handed back to the Otaru of Auchi.
It also reiterated respect for the Otaru, offering prayers for his health.
On disciplinary matters, the Board maintained that Ibrahim Oyarekhua remains suspended pending the outcome of an investigation being conducted by a committee headed by Hon. (Dr.) Lukman Muhammad.
The Board further warned individuals against exploiting the Otaru’s health challenges to create disunity within the Muslim community in Edo State, urging them to desist and uphold the peace and dignity of the traditional institution.
While calling for calm among Muslims and the general public, the Board assured that a new date for an official meeting would be communicated in due course.
