Sallah Festivities: Bayero Asks Police For Special Security Arrangements Amid Kano Emirate Tussle

The 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, has formally requested special security arrangements for the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir festivities in Kano Emirate.

The dethroned Emir of Kano made the request in a letter addressed to the Kano State Commissioner of Police dated June 10, 2024, with reference number Ref: HRH/ADM/06/1/217.

The letter, which was signed by the Bayero’s Private Secretary referenced a court order in suit number FHC/KN/CS/182/2004, that mandated the maintenance of the status quo over the Kano Emirate tussle.

Bayero told the Police boss that he would require the security arrangements for the four-day Sallah festivities, which will take place the mini palace in Nasarawa area of Kano metropolis.

The letter partly reads: “I hereby write to convey His appreciation and sincere gratitude on your contributions and facilitation of peace and stability in Kano State during the period of Emirate

Crisis. His Highness and the people of Kano are very grateful, indeed.

Similarly, His Highness instructed me to request for special security arrangements for conduct of Sallah festivities (Eid-El Kabir) in Kano which commences on Sunday 16th of May

2024 to Thursday 20th of May 2024. All activities will emanate from Nassarawa Mini Palace in Kano.”

He highlighted the cultural and religious significance of the Sallah festivities, which draw large crowds from within and outside Kano. He specifically requested security support to ensure the smooth conduct of the events, which will begin with the Eid prayer at Kofar Mata Prayer ground on Sunday, May 16, 2024.

Subsequent activities include the Hawan Daushe on May 17, Hawan Nassarawa on May 18, and Hawan Zagayen Gari on May 20, all emanating from his Nassarawa Mini Palace in Kano.

LEADERSHIP reports the Bayero’s call for heightened security arrangements comes against the backdrop of a contentious emirate tussle following his dethronement by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who reinstated the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, following the signing of a new Emirate Council law 2024 by Governor Yusuf, which dissolved the five emirates created under former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

As preparations for the Sallah festivities commence, the embattled Bayero has also invited all district heads and traditional leaders to begin their arrangements.

Meanwhile, the officially recognised 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, was yet to announce whether he will conduct the ceremonial post Eid-el-Kabir durbar festivities or not.

Also, the Kano State Police Command was yet to respond to Bayero’s request as of the time of filing this report.

However, the development is bound to increase tension in the state and possible threat to security.