Kano State, Nigeria, is on edge as the ongoing emirate tussle takes a new turn, with both the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, and his successor, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, planning separate Sallah Durbar celebrations.
The parallel festivities, set to mark the end of Ramadan, reflect the deepening divide between the two royal figures amid a protracted legal battle over the Kano Emirate throne. While Bayero, backed by federal authorities, has notified the police of his planned events, the Kano State government has directed the officially recognized emirates under Sanusi’s leadership to proceed with their celebrations.
In a letter signed by Bayero’s Private Secretary, Abdullahi Haruna Kwaru, and addressed to the state’s Commissioner of Police, the 15th Emir outlined a schedule for his Durbar festival. His program includes Hawan Sallah, Hawan Daushe, and Hawan Nassarawa on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days of Shawwal 1446 AH, culminating in a cultural event on the 4th day.
Shortly after, the Kano State government, led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, instructed the four recognized emirates under Sanusi’s reign to begin preparations for their own Durbar festival. During a Ramadan Iftar gathering at the Government House, the governor assured residents that they would not be denied the opportunity to experience the vibrant traditional celebrations.
The situation has raised concerns about potential clashes between supporters of both emirs, given the longstanding tensions surrounding the emirate dispute. While efforts to reach the State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, were unsuccessful, newly appointed Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori has pledged to maintain peace and security during the festivities.
