By Bose ADEBAYO
It is popularly called Ileya among the Yoruba, but  its Arabic name of Eid-El Kabir captures its global relevance as an annual celebration among the Muslim faithful.

This particular celebration is also remarkable by reason of the fact that some Muslim faithful would slaughter or kill a  ram  for sacrificial atonment, propitiation and remission of sins.

This explains why during the period the ram markets are usually beehives of buying and selling as many Muslims make last minute purchase of rams to be slaughtered. It was also a time for many, especially children, to entertain themselves by organising ram fights.

In some cases, some rams did not live to be properly sacrificed at  Ileya after being killed in such brutal fights.  So popular is the ram fights competition that some go out of their way to spend heavily in procuring rams that could last the distance against very tough opponents.

However, it would appear that there is a big snag in getting to buy rams this year, especially the type used in competitive fights. The price of the average rams almost hit the roof last week, well beyond the reach of most of those desirous of buying the animal for celebrating the festival.

This was the case in many parts of the South-West.  The development has been blamed by many on the recent flood that ravaged some parts of the country.

Some traders who spoke with Vanguard Metro said the price of an average-sized ram is on the high side when compared with that of last year. When Vanguard Metro went round some markets in Lagos State, the price of ram was between N25,000 and N100,000 with many traders describing the price increase as unprecedented.

At Iyana-Ipaja and Agege, some traders who said they usually get their supply from Darkat Market in Kano, expressed  surprise at not being able to do so when they travelled to the market some days ago. ‘’We were shocked when we got there and was told there were no rams for us to buy.

We were told that the recent flood killed most of the rams. It’s for this reason that there are few rams in the market and why the price is quite high this year ,’‘ said Mallam Ilya.

At Sabo Market in Ikorodu, a  house wife said her husband bought a small-sized  ram at N45,000 while her neighbour travelled as far as Ijebu-Ode to purchase one at N35,000.

‘’The Quoran forbids you to force yourself if you cannot afford a ram; you can kill a cow which is usually affordable by many,’‘ said Alfa Abdul-kazeem Olayiwola.

A civil servant who pleaded anonymity, however, blamed government for the development.

‘Is the Ministry of Agriculture still functioning? How come government cannot provide rams, rice and all other essential commodities at a cheaper rate? If government is up to the task, people won’t need to stress themselves or go borrowing in the name of Ileya,’‘ he said.