Taraba Muslim Council Bans Wedding Parties in Jalingo, Imposes Strict Sanctions on Defaulters

The Muslim Council of Taraba State has placed a total ban on all forms of wedding celebrations within Jalingo, the state capital. This directive follows extensive consultations with Islamic scholars, traditional leaders, and local authorities.

The ban specifically targets well-known festivities such as “Kauyawa” and “Ajo” parties, which are often marked by large youth gatherings, unruly behavior, and late-night dancing in ragged attire. These events have increasingly drawn concern over their alignment with Islamic values.

The decision was the central theme of Friday’s Khutbah (sermon) delivered across all Jummat mosques in Jalingo. Speaking on behalf of the council, Imam Tajudeen Nuhu, the Chief Imam of Mayo Gwoi Jummat Mosque, announced that it is now prohibited for any household to organize Kauyawa, Ajo, or any similar wedding celebration.

Severe consequences await violators. Imams will refuse to officiate their marriage ceremonies, and such families will be denied funeral prayers, naming ceremonies, or Islamic wedding lectures. Religious leaders were also cautioned against participating in these banned events, with the risk of losing their positions if found in defiance.