Sanusi To Lead Sallah Durbar, Says Kano Govt

AFTER initial uncertainty, the Kano State Government, on Wednesday, March 18, announced that the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, will lead this year’s Eid-el-Fitr Durbar.
The government also issued strict guidelines to prevent a breakdown of law and order during the celebrations.
A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, said the decision, approved by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, followed credible intelligence reports indicating attempts by some individuals to create unrest during the Sallah period.
It reiterated committed to preserving Kano’s cultural heritage, but added that it would prioritise peace and security.
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.
Hawan Nasarawa, it explained, would be held in a modified form without horseback displays, while Hawan Daushe, Hawan Fanisau and Hawan Dorayi have been suspended in the interest of public safety.
The government said all security agencies had been directed to intensify surveillance and ensure strict compliance with the directives before, during and after the festive period, urging residents to remain calm, law-abiding and cooperative with security agencies, while cautioning against the spread of unverified information.
It assured the public of its commitment to a peaceful and hitch-free Sallah celebration, wishing Muslims in the state a joyous Eid-el-Fitr.
The Durbar, a centuries-old cultural procession, has been thrown into uncertainty following conflicting statements from government officials on whether it will hold this year, given the unresolved legal battle between Sanusi II and the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.
While Governor Yusuf reinstated Sanusi II in 2024, Bayero continues to contest his dethronement in court, leaving the emirship in dispute.
However, the government recently assured that the controversy would soon be resolved.
Waiya had ealier dismissed reports that Sanusi II will lead the Sallah Durbar, describing the information as unfounded.
Bayero has formally notified security agencies of preparations for this year’s Sallah Durbar celebrations, scheduled to take place at the Emir’s Palace in Kano, despite the lingering dispute.
The notification conveyed in a letter, dated March 7, and addressed to the state commissioner of Police by the Kano Emirate Council under Bayero, said the move was to ensure adequate security arrangements for the traditional events marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.
Signed by the Emir’s Private Secretary, Abdullahi Haruna Kwaru, the latter said Bayero and members of the Council had approved the programme of activities for the celebrations, featuring traditional Durbar events, including Hawan Sallah, Hawan Daushe, Hawan Nasarawa and Hawan Panisau, as well as other cultural displays associated with the festival, starting with a royal procession from the palace to the Eid prayer ground, where the Eid prayer and sermon will be observed.
The commissioner, had in a statement, insisted that no official decision had been taken regarding the leadership of the traditional event, noting that matters relating to the Kano Emirate are currently before a court of law.
It urged the public to allow the due legal process to proceed without interference or actions that could create confusion, maintaining its neutrality in the dispute and distancing itself from all parties involved, pending a final and legally binding judgment.
The statement charged residents to remain law-abiding and refrain from spreading unverified information, but to rely only on credible and official sources for updates.
It also urged media organisations and social media users to verify the authenticity of information before dissemination, particularly as Sallah celebrations approach, to prevent misinformation and potential unrest, reaffirming its commitment to sustaining peace, unity and stability across the state.