Emirates suspend Sallah Durbar amid rising tension in Kano

The two rival emirates in Kano have suspended all planned Eid-el-Kabir durbar activities following heightened security concerns and directives from security agencies aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order in the state.

The development comes amid lingering tension over the Kano emirship dispute, which has continued to generate political and legal controversy across the state.

Both the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and the reinstated 16th Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II, had earlier announced separate plans to hold traditional Sallah durbar celebrations during the Eid festivities.

However, announcing the suspension on behalf of Bayero, Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Aminu Babba Dan’agundi, said the decision followed directives issued by security agencies to ensure peace and stability in Kano during the festive period.

He said the emirate council resolved to comply fully with the directives, stressing that maintaining peace in the state remains paramount.

“We are law-abiding citizens, and we have accepted the directive in the interest of peace and harmonious coexistence in Kano,” he stated.

Similarly, speaking on behalf of Emir Sanusi, Matawallen Kano, Aliyu Ibrahim, disclosed that the emirate council received security reports indicating that some elements were planning to exploit the durbar celebrations to cause unrest and destabilise public peace in the state.

According to him, the suspension became necessary to avoid any security breach and to preserve the peaceful atmosphere during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

The cancellation of the colourful horse-riding festival, a centuries-old cultural tradition in Kano, is seen as another reflection of the deepening division surrounding the emirship tussle, which is still awaiting final judicial resolution at the Supreme Court.

The rivalry between the two emirates has continued to attract national attention since the Kano State Government reinstated Sanusi in 2024 after dethroning Bayero, a move that triggered legal battles and political tension across the state.