Sanusi, Bayero Suspend Sallah Durbars in Kano

The two emirs laying claim to the Kano Emirate stool, Muhammadu Sanusi II and Aminu Ado Bayero, have suspended all planned Eid-el-Kabir durbar activities in Kano State over security concerns.

The suspension was announced separately by representatives of the two emirates following reports of possible breakdown of law and order during the celebrations.

Earlier, both Emir Sanusi and Emir Bayero had announced plans to hold separate Sallah durbars as part of the Eid festivities, a development that generated tension among residents and raised fears of possible clashes between supporters.

Speaking on behalf of Emir Sanusi, the Matawallen Kano, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim, said the Kano Emirate Council received security reports indicating that some persons were planning to use the durbar celebrations to cause unrest and disturb public peace in the state.

He explained that the decision to suspend the durbar activities was taken in the interest of peace and to ensure peaceful Eid celebrations across Kano State.

Similarly, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’agundi, announced the suspension on behalf of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero.

Dan’agundi said the decision followed directives by security agencies, particularly the police, aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the state.

He added that they are law-abiding citizens and would comply fully with directives issued by security authorities to avoid any crisis during the Sallah celebrations.

On Wednesday, the two rival emirs had conducted parallel Hawan Sallah activities in different parts of Kano using separate routes.

However, concerns grew among residents after plans emerged for additional durbar processions, which traditionally follow specific routes and locations within the city.

The emirship tussle in Kano began in 2024 after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf dethroned Aminu Ado Bayero and reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II, four years after Sanusi’s removal by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in 2020.

Since then, the dispute has remained a subject of litigation before various courts, resulting in repeated suspension of the historic Kano durbar celebrations.

The Supreme Court recently adjourned ruling on the matter until April 2027, effectively maintaining the status quo pending final determination of the case.