The 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, has queried the decision of the Kano State government under the leadership of Governor Abba Yusuf to allow the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, to carry out a limited Sallah procession.
According to Bayero, the permission amounts to preferential treatment and could also be interpreted as an official recognition of Sanusi as Emir, despite the ongoing legal dispute surrounding the Kano Emirate, which is currently before the courts.
Despite the concerns raised, the 15th Emir said he has accepted the position of the state government in suspending the traditional Eid durbar, citing the need to maintain peace and stability in Kano State.
Bellnews reports that the position of the traditional ruler was made known during a media briefing by the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Aminu Babba Danagundi.
Danagundi said the monarch had directed his followers to fully comply with the government’s directive, leading to the cancellation of all preparations for the Sallah procession.
According to him, the decision to forgo the durbar was taken in the interest of peace, stressing that the Emirate would not engage in any activity capable of causing unrest in the state.
He commended the Kano State Government for its broader security considerations but reiterated concerns over the approval granted to Sanusi for a limited procession.
Danagundi maintained that such a decision could be seen as tacit recognition of Sanusi, even as the legal dispute over the Kano Emirate remains unresolved.
Recall that the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, had earlier announced that the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, would lead the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr Durbar in the state.
Bellnews reports that the latest development was made known in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya.
The statement disclosed that the decision to allow Sanusi to lead the Sallah Durbar was made following credible intelligence reports indicating attempts by some individuals to create unrest during the Sallah period.
It also stated that the Kano government remained committed to preserving Kano’s cultural heritage, and strict guidelines have been unveiled to prevent a breakdown of law and order during the celebrations
According to the statement, Hawan Idi (Eid Durbar) will be conducted by Emir Sanusi from the Kofar Mata Eid Ground through designated routes to Gidan Shettima, terminating at Kofar Fatalwa of the emir’s palace.
The Kano government further stated that Hawan Nasarawa would be held in a modified form without horseback displays, while Hawan Daushe, Hawan Fanisau and Hawan Dorayi have been suspended for the time being in the interest of public safety.