Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
In a rare moment of consensus, the two rival Emirs laying claim to the Kano emirate stool, Muhammadu Sanusi II and Aminu Ado Bayero, have announced the indefinite suspension of all traditional Sallah durbar activities across the state ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. The decision, which was announced in separate briefings on Thursday, May 28, 2026, followed security reports indicating that some individuals were planning to use the colourful horse-riding processions to disrupt public peace and create chaos in the ancient city.
Speaking on behalf of Emir Sanusi, the Matawallen Kano, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim, said the emirate council received credible intelligence that the rival durbar celebrations were being targeted by those intent on causing mayhem. “The decision to suspend the activities was taken to avoid any breakdown of law and order and to preserve the peaceful atmosphere in the state during the Eid celebrations,” he stated. Similarly, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’agundi, announced the suspension on behalf of Emir Ado Bayero, confirming that the decision was taken in full compliance with police directives issued to ensure peace and stability in Kano. “We are law-abiding citizens and would fully comply with the orders of the security agencies in the interest of maintaining peace in the state,” Dan’agundi said.
The rare truce came just 24 hours after the Kano State Police Command issued a directive prohibiting the planned parallel durbar processions. Earlier, both Emirs had announced plans to hold separate Sallah durbar celebrations, with Bayero’s camp unveiling routes that deliberately avoided the main Emir’s Palace, while Sanusi’s camp prepared to lead the Hawan Daushe and Hawan Nassarawa processions from the Gidan Rumfa Palace. However, the police command, citing “proactive measures”, warned that any attempt to go ahead with the competing festivities could trigger a violent confrontation between supporters of the two factions. “Following credible reports on plans to use the Durbar as a proxy for unrest, a ban has been placed on all Durbar activities throughout the state,” the police had declared.
The tussle over the Kano Emirate has remained one of the most contentious traditional and political disputes in the country since 2024, when Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf repealed the law that had created additional emirates and reinstated Sanusi II, who had been dethroned by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje in 2020. Ado Bayero, who was appointed Emir following Sanusi’s removal, has continued to challenge his own removal in court, and the legal battle is still pending before the Supreme Court, which has adjourned ruling on the substantive case until April 2027. The suspension of the Sallah Durbar marks the third consecutive year that the iconic festival – a UNESCO-listed intangible cultural heritage – has been cancelled in the state due to the lingering emirship crisis, leaving residents and cultural enthusiasts across the country deeply disappointed.
As the two Emirs called on their supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, the police command assured residents that security would be maintained throughout the festivities. “The Command is fully committed to protecting lives and property,” the police spokesperson said in a statement. “We urge all citizens to go about their lawful activities without fear, as robust security arrangements have been emplaced across the state.”
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