Prince Isah Ado-Bayero, the son of late Kano Emir, Alhaji Ado Bayero has joined the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewure II, on a crossover night church service into year 2024.
The the monarch observed Gregorian Calendar year at the Holy Aruosa Cathedral in Benin City where he earlier celebrated the traditional Igue festival thanksgiving service on Sunday, December 31, 2023.
It is the first time in history an Oba of Benin would join the church Crossover service.
The service, which was conducted in Edo language, was instituted by Oba Ewuare II who observes the tradition at the end of annual Igue festival in line the Benin Calendar.
A statement by the monarch’s Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, said the Holy Aruosa Cathedral had an unusual guest, Prince Isah Ado-Bayero, the son of the late Kano Emir, Alhaji Ado Bayero.
He said the presence of the Muslim that observed the annual Hijrah Calendar, amazed worshippers in Holy Aruosa church also know as the Edo national church at the end of Igue festival.
The presiding Priest of Holy Aruosa Cathedral, Ohen-Osa Igbinoghodua Edebiri, led a prayer session that ushered worshippers into the new year.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect that Prince Isah Ado-Bayero is the son of the late Emir of Kano, and not the current Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado-Bayero.
