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Tangible apprehension regarding a potential crisis is rising in the historic city of Kano due to the simultaneous Sallah Durbar festival planned by the 15th Emir, Alh. Aminu Ado Bayero, and the 16th Emir, Khalifa Mohammadu Sanusi II.
The ongoing emirate conflict in the city is escalating amidst a legal dispute, as both rivals have organized separate series of events with the full support of the Federal and State authorities.
In a correspondence signed by Bayero’s Private Secretary, Abdullahi Haruna Kwaru, directed to the Commissioner of Police, the 15th Emir has informed the security agencies about the preparations for the traditional festival, which includes Hauwa Nasarawa and Daushe, marking the conclusion of Ramadan.
As per the itinerary, Bayero's events are set to include Hawan Sallah, Hawan Daushe, and Hawan Nassarawa on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days of Shawwal 1446 AH, respectively, culminating in a cultural program on the 4th day.
Kwaru highlighted that this year's festivities are particularly significant as they coincide with the Emir's fifth anniversary on the throne of his ancestors. “This letter serves to formally inform the security agencies in Kano State, especially the Police Force, that this year's Sallah celebrations coincide with the five (5) years anniversary of His Highness on the throne of his forefathers, and we assure that all activities will proceed peacefully,” the letter stated.
He expressed optimism for a peaceful celebration and prayed for safety, good health, and social harmony, emphasizing the Emir’s office's request for the support of security agencies to guarantee a peaceful and successful event.
Interestingly, Bayero’s announcement of the event surfaced on social media. Shortly after that, the Kano State Government instructed the four recognized emirates, led by Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 16th Emir of Kano, to initiate comprehensive preparations for the Durbar festival.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf issued this directive while hosting the first and second-class emirs for a special Ramadan Iftar at the Government House, asserting that residents would not be deprived of the chance to enjoy the vibrant traditional celebrations marking the end of Ramadan.
The Kano Sallah Durbar festival is a well-known tourist attraction that draws visitors from across Nigeria and beyond to experience the heritage of Hausa/Fulani culture at the Emir’s palace.
The Durbar showcases a vibrant horse procession led by the Emir, accompanied by district heads, traditional titleholders, and hundreds of their subjects, who demonstrate age-old displays of strength and warrior traditions. In addition to the horse parades, the Sallah festival also includes the Emir paying homage to the Government House (Hauwa Nassarawa) on the second day of Sallah, after the Governor has made a similar visit to the palace on the day of Sallah.
Coincidentally, while Governor Yusuf is set to welcome Muhammadu Sanusi and other second-class emirs at the Government House, Bayero will pay a visit to Federal Government delegations, including prominent members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from Kano, at a yet-to-be-disclosed local venue. Attempts to contact the spokesperson for the Police Command in Kano, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, were unsuccessful as his phone was reported to have been switched to another unknown line.
Nevertheless, the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, upon his arrival, committed to ensuring the protection of lives and property.
It is noteworthy that the police fully prohibited the celebration of the Sallah Durbar festival last year due to the emirship conflict and the associated tension of a potential security threat in the city.
