Emir Sanusi II Cancels Sallah Durbar Over Police Ban

16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has reacted to the recent ban imposed on Sallah Durbar by the Kano State Police Command, noting that the action became necessary for enduring peace and development of the state.

Consequently, Emir Sanusi II declared that the annual traditional festival that is usually celebrated at the end of Ramadan is not a matter of life and death but a mere cultural symbolism dating back to the 15th century.

The Emir stated this while hosting eminent Islamic scholars and prominent personalities to Iftar dinner at his palace on Saturday evening.

The first-class Emir of Kano who described peace as the only backbone of progress and development of any society, accepted to withdraw all planned activities of the Emirate intended for the colorful Durbar, described by UNESCO as an intangible heritage of humanity.

LEADERSHIP reports that the State’s Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Bakori, had announced the ban on the proposed Sallah Durbar, citing impending security threat revealed by relevant intelligence report.

The Emir, however, reminded that he doesn’t see the Eid-el-Fitr Durbar as “a matter of life and death”, adding that the lives and safety of Kano citizens are more paramount to him.

He, therefore, appealed to residents and the general public to remain peaceful and law abiding while cooperating with the security agencies to ensure law and order during and after the Sallah festival.

On his part, Kano State governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) at the Iftar, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Faruq, applauded the Emir for his spirit of love and kindness.

He stated that he experienced the Emir’s kindheartedness when he was a lecturer at ABU Zaria in the early 1980s where he guided and supported them as his students.

The SSG expressed gratitude to the Emir for showing concern for the lives of Kano people, by his willingness to cancel the Eid-el-Fitr Durbar celebration.

Similarly, the Murshid (Chief Imam) of the National Mosque, Professor Shehu Galadanci, expressed deep appreciation to Emir Sanusi II for exhibiting profound wisdom and knowledge as the leader of the Emirate.

Professor Galadanci aligned with the submission of the Emir and emphasized that the lives and properties of people of Kano are more important than the Eid-el-Fitr Durbar celebration, applauding Sanusi II for promoting peaceful coexistence in Kano Emirate.

Recall that Emir Sanusi II’s rival for the Kano throne, 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, had a couple of days ago announced the cancellation of his planned Durbar activities, citing the need for peace and orderliness.