There is palpable anxiety in the ancient City of Kano as the two rival emirs, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the 15th Emir of Kano, and his successor, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, prepare to hold separate Sallah Durbar celebrations, deepening the ongoing emirate tussle.
The parallel events come amid a legal battle over the Kano Emirate throne, with both emirs reportedly enjoying the backing of different levels of government.
In a letter signed by Bayero’s Private Secretary, Abdullahi Haruna Kwaru, and addressed to the Commissioner of Police, the 15th Emir outlined plans for his own Durbar festivities. His schedule includes the Hawan Sallah, Hawan Daushe, and Hawan Nassarawa celebrations on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days of Shawwal 1446 AH, followed by a cultural event on the 4th day. His planned venues include Hauwa Nassarawa and Daushe.
However, shortly after Bayero’s announcement surfaced on social media, the Kano State government directed the four recognized emirates under the leadership of Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 16th Emir of Kano, to commence preparations for the official Durbar festival.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, while hosting first and second-class emirs for a Ramadan Iftar at the Government House, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that Kano residents enjoy the traditional festivities.
The unfolding situation has heightened tensions in the state, raising concerns about potential confrontations between rival supporters. Efforts to reach the State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, for comments were unsuccessful.
However, the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, assured the public that security agencies would work to protect lives and property throughout the celebrations.
As both emirs prepare for their respective Durbar events, Kano residents and political observers are watching closely, trying to figure out how the parallel celebrations will impact the emirate.
