Kano govt clears Emir Sanusi for Sallah Durbar

The Kano State Government has announced that the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, will lead this year’s Eid-el-Fitr Durbar, even as it unveiled strict guidelines to prevent a breakdown of law and order during the celebrations.

The government said the decision, approved by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, followed credible intelligence reports indicating attempts by some individuals to create unrest during the Sallah period.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the government stated that it remains committed to preserving Kano’s cultural heritage but will prioritise peace and security.

According to the statement, Hawan Idi (Eid Durbar) will be conducted by Emir Sanusi from the Kofar Mata Eid Ground through designated routes to Gidan Shettima, terminating at Kofar Fatalwa of the emir’s palace.

It added that Hawan Nasarawa would be held in a modified form without horseback displays, while Hawan Daushe, Hawan Fanisau and Hawan Dorayi have been suspended for the time being in the interest of public safety.

The government stated that all security agencies had been instructed to intensify surveillance and ensure strict compliance with the directives before, during, and after the festive period.

It urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding and cooperative with security agencies, while cautioning against the spread of unverified information.

The government further assured the public of its commitment to a peaceful and hitch-free Sallah celebration, wishing Muslims in the state a joyous Eid-el-Fitr.

The Durbar, a centuries-old cultural procession, has been thrown into uncertainty following conflicting statements from government officials on whether it will hold this year, given the unresolved legal battle between Sanusi II and Aminu Ado Bayero.

While Governor Yusuf reinstated Sanusi II in 2024, Bayero continues to contest his dethronement in court, leaving the emirship in dispute.

Meanwhile, hours after hosting top government officials to an iftar at his palace, the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, held a closed-door meeting with a delegation from Governor Yusuf, deepening speculation about the state’s position in the ongoing emirship dispute.

The governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, confirmed the meeting in a Facebook post on Wednesday morning, saying it held at the Gidan Rumfa palace on Tuesday night.

He said at the meeting were the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ibrahim, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Sulaiman Wali Sani and himself.

The government recently hinted that the Emirship controversy will soon be resolved.

Tuesday’s iftar and subsequent meeting appear to signal stronger ties between the state government and Sanusi.

Analysts say the Governor’s delegation’s presence at both the iftar and the private meeting underscores the administration’s recognition of Sanusi II as emir despite the controversy.

Sanusi urges supporters to comply

Speaking to Daily Trust, the Kano Emirate Council Secretary (Sanusi’s faction), Alhaji Abba Yusuf, said they welcome the government decision, and they will abide by it.

Yusuf, who also holds the title of Danmakwayon Kano and District Head of Dawakin Kudu, said they are after anything that will ensure the maintenance of law and order.

He said, “Our stand is very clear on the matter; we are obedient to the constituted authorities, and we are after anything that will ensure peace and stability in our state.

“We are part and parcel of all the discussions and all the major security decisions taken. We are part of it, and we do not have an objection to any government decision whatsoever. We will comply.

“I will also call on people to be law-abiding and respect what the government decides,” the Council Secretary added.

Bayero’s camp insists on police clearance

The palace of the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, has said it is still awaiting clearance from the police to proceed with the Eid-el-Fitr Durbar.

The factional emirate based in Nasarawa stated that it remains ready to conduct the traditional Sallah Durbar once approval is granted by security authorities.

A key figure in the palace, Isah Pilot, disclosed this in an interview with an online platform, Arewa Update, noting that the emirate would fully comply with directives from security agencies.

“We are only waiting for police approval. Once we are given the go-ahead, we will proceed, and if we are advised otherwise, we will abide by it,” he said.

He stressed that the Nasarawa palace is law-abiding and guided by court rulings, insisting that it has no intention of causing unrest.

Isah Pilot recalled that the emirate suspended the Durbar last year in the interest of peace, but alleged that another faction went ahead with the exercise against security advice, leading to disturbances.

On preparations, he said residents along expected Durbar routes have shown enthusiasm, while recent sightings of the emir inspecting horses indicated that arrangements were already at an advanced stage.

He described Bayero as a peace-loving leader who maintains cordial relations with all tiers of government, including the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Also speaking, aides to the emir, Ayman Ado and Abba Rabiu Abdullahi, popularly known as Abban Tea, reiterated that the palace would await police clearance and comply with any directive issued by the state government.

Police urge peaceful Sallah celebration

The Kano State Police Command has called on residents to conduct themselves peacefully during the forthcoming Eid-El-Fitr celebrations.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, the Command congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the completion of Ramadan and wished them a joyous Eid.

The Command assured that robust security measures have been put in place in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure a hitch-free celebration across the state. Citizens were advised to respect the rights of others and obey directives from security personnel, particularly restrictions on certain activities during the festive period.

The Commissioner of Police warned that unlawful or disorderly behaviour will not be tolerated, stressing that anyone who attempts to disrupt the peace will face prosecution. He further urged parents and guardians to caution their children against being used by subversive elements.

Politicising durbar undermines its heritage — Historian

Dr Ibrahim Ado Kurawa, a Kano-based historian and independent researcher, underscored the cultural weight of the Sallah Durbar, describing it as a tradition that has endured for more than five centuries.

He noted that the festival is not only central to Kano’s identity but also recognised globally.

“The Sallah Durbar is important to humanity because it has been designated as a UNESCO heritage event. It is the largest procession of horses in the world, making it vital to Kano, Nigeria, and the global community,” Kurawa said.  

He warned that attempts to politicise or fragment the event undermine its historical and cultural significance.

“The Durbar is by the Emir of Kano, not by any other person. Anyone pretending to be Emir is only attempting to destroy that heritage,” he added.

Kurawa emphasised that the suspension of the Durbar for security reasons is not unprecedented, citing past disruptions during wartime and the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, he insisted that the tradition remains a cornerstone of Kano’s contribution to world culture and must be safeguarded.

Kano residents express mixed reactions

Residents of Kano have expressed divergent views over the Sallah Durbar controversy involving the camps of Aminu Ado Bayero and Muhammadu Sanusi II.

Some residents who spoke to Daily Trust supported the position of Bayero, while others backed Sanusi, with many calling for peace.

Malam Sani Musa, a trader at Sabon Gari, said he supports Bayero’s camp, insisting that all parties should be allowed to exercise their rights.

“Durbar is part of our culture. As long as there is no violence, every emir has the right to celebrate with his people. What we need is proper security, not restrictions,” he said.

Similarly, Hajiya Zainab Abdullahi from Nassarawa area said preventing certain traditional activities could create unnecessary tension.

“People are used to these celebrations. If you stop one camp, it may look like bias. Authorities should be fair to everyone,” she said.

On the other hand, supporters of Sanusi emphasised the need to prioritise peace and follow government directives.

Malam Kabiru Ibrahim, a civil servant in Gwale, said the government’s decision to streamline the durbar was in the interest of stability.

“We cannot afford any crisis. If the government has intelligence reports, it is better to control the activities and avoid anything that may lead to violence,” he said.

Also, Aisha Bello, a student in Tarauni, urged all parties to cooperate with the authorities.

“This is not about individuals; it is about Kano. I support any decision that will ensure peace. Both sides should respect the law and avoid actions that can cause trouble,” she said.