Emir cancels Kano Durbar over security concerns
The 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, has announced the cancellation of the much-anticipated Eid-el-Fitr durbar celebration, citing security concerns.
The decision was made public on Wednesday during a press briefing at the Nasarawa mini palace in Kano. According to the deposed emir, influential religious leaders and key stakeholders advised him to forgo the grand festival in the interest of maintaining peace in the state.
“I urge the people of Kano to celebrate Sallah in peace and harmony,” Bayero said, emphasizing the importance of unity during the festive period.
The durbar, a time-honoured tradition, is a vibrant festival held during Eid-el-Fitr and Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. It typically features special prayers, followed by a spectacular parade of the emir and his entourage on horseback, drawing massive crowds of residents and visitors alike.
The cancellation comes amid ongoing tensions over the Kano emirate throne. The controversy traces back to May 23, 2024, when the Kano State House of Assembly amended a key bill, which Governor Abba Yusuf swiftly signed into law. The move led to the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, effectively dethroning Bayero.
Refusing to accept his removal, Bayero challenged the decision in court. The legal battle escalated, with the Court of Appeal temporarily halting the enforcement of its ruling that had overturned a Federal High Court judgment against the government’s repeal of the 2019 Emirate Council Law. The case is now pending before the Supreme Court.
Currently, both Sanusi and Bayero lay claim to the prestigious Kano emirate throne, further deepening divisions among their supporters.
Recently, Governor Yusuf directed all four emirates in Kano to begin preparations for the Eid celebrations, assuring that residents and visitors alike would enjoy a peaceful festive period. In response, Bayero had informed security agencies of his plans to hold a durbar and mark his fifth anniversary as emir—a move that heightened fears of possible clashes between his supporters and those of Sanusi.
With security concerns looming large, the cancellation of the durbar appears to be a strategic decision aimed at preventing further unrest in the historic city of Kano.
