Eid-el-Ftr: Tension Mounts In Kano As Emir Bayero Moves To Conduct Separate Durbar

The Kano Emirship tussle has taken another dimension as the embattled 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, has formally notified the State Police Command of his intention to conduct this year’s Sallah Durbar to mark the Eid-el-Ftr festival.

Emir Bayero’s notification letter to the Police surfaced online just days after the Kano State governor, Engr. Abba Yusuf, directed his rival and 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, to begin preparations for the grand Sallah celebration.

The letter signed by Bayero’s Private Secretary, Abdullahi Haruna Kwaru, addressed to the Commissioner of Police, outlined plans for the traditional festivities at the end of month Ramadan. According to the schedule, the celebrations will include Hawan Sallah, Hawan Daushe, and Hawan Nassarawa on the 2nd and 3rd days of Shawwal 1446 AH, followed by a cultural event on the fourth day.

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The letter also highlighted that this year’s Durbar coincides with Bayero’s five-year anniversary on the throne. “The purpose of this letter is to formally notify the security agencies in Kano State, particularly the police force, that this year’s Sallah events coincided with five years of His Highness on the throne of his forefathers, with the assurance that all activities will be conducted peacefully,” the letter stated.

LEADERSHIP reports that this development adds another layer to the prolonged dispute surrounding the Kano Emirship tussle.

Recall that the state government had reinstated Emir Sanusi II in 2024 after his controversial removal in 2020. However, Bayero, who was appointed in Sanusi’s place, has continued to assert his claim to the throne, leading to a protracted legal struggle for the throne. The Court of Appeal recently ruled that the status quo be maintained until the Supreme Court delivers a final judgement, effectively leaving both men in contention for the coveted Kano throne.

Since the emirate crisis started, no Durbar has been held in Kano over security reasons, making this year’s Sallah celebration a significant test of authority.

As at the time of filing this report neither the Kano State government nor Emir Sanusi II has responded to Bayero’s move, and the State Police Command also was yet to issue a public statement on the development.