Kano State is currently on edge as the longstanding emirship dispute between Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, the 16th Emir of Kano, and Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the 15th Emir of Kano, intensifies ahead of the 2025 Sallah Durbar. The two monarchs have expressed interest in holding the traditional event during the upcoming Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, raising concerns among residents about the potential consequences of the rivalry.
The conflict over who rightfully holds the emirship of Kano has been ongoing for several years, and the latest developments have sparked tension in the state, particularly as the date for the Sallah Durbar approaches.
The Emirship tussle in Kano dates back to 2020 when Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 14th Emir of Kano, was controversially dethroned by the state government through legislative actions. Following his removal, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero was appointed as the new Emir of Kano. This move sparked protests and legal challenges from Sanusi and his supporters, who viewed the dethronement as politically motivated.
In 2024, the Kano State government amended the 2020 Kano Emirate Council law, which led to the reinstatement of Sanusi as the Emir. However, Bayero strongly objected to this decision and has continued to maintain his position as the Emir, holding court in the Nasarawa mini-palace. The dispute has remained unresolved, with both sides laying claim to the title of Emir.
The tension surrounding the emirship dispute has taken a new turn with both monarchs planning to hold the Sallah Durbar during the upcoming Eid celebrations in 2025. Last week, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State had directed all traditional rulers to prepare for the Durbar, a major cultural event that takes place annually to mark the end of Ramadan.
In response, Emir Bayero sent a formal letter to the Kano State Police Command, notifying them of his intention to hold the Sallah Durbar. The letter, signed by Bayero’s Private Secretary, Abdullahi Haruna Kwaru, outlined the schedule for the Sallah events, which are set to begin at the end of March 2025. The celebrations will include the iconic Hawan Sallah, Hawan Daushe, and Hawan Nassarawa processions on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days of Shawwal 1446AH, respectively, with a cultural event planned for the fourth day.
The letter also highlighted that the Sallah celebrations would coincide with the fifth anniversary of Emir Bayero’s ascension to the throne, noting that all activities would be carried out peacefully and in accordance with security protocols.
“The purpose of this letter is to formally notify the security agencies in Kano State, particularly the police force, that this year’s Sallah events coincide with five years of His Highness on the throne of his forefathers, with the assurance that all activities will be conducted peacefully,” the letter read.
While Emir Bayero has officially informed the police about his plans for the Durbar, there has been no reaction yet from the state government or from Sanusi. As the scheduled date for the Durbar draws closer, residents of Kano have begun expressing growing concerns about the potential for violence or unrest during the event.
Malam Haladu Bello, a 78-year-old resident of Kano, spoke out about his worries for the safety of the people amid the ongoing rivalry between the two monarchs. He pointed out that although the Durbar is an important cultural tradition, the current situation made it difficult for people to enjoy the festivities without fear of conflict.
“I have witnessed several durbars with all the positive and negative things these durbars come with, but what we perceive today, is something entirely different. It is unfortunate that for selfish reasons some of our leaders have decided to look the other way round despite the fact that there are several innocent lives involved here. Yes, we have all missed the Sallah durbar, but that doesn’t mean we are not concerned about losing someone’s life. I am pleading with whoever is concerned to temper mercy with justice and address this simple and yet so difficult matter,” he said.
Another resident, Alhaji Usman Shehu, aged 30, echoed similar sentiments, stressing that the issue should be handled privately as a family matter rather than one that endangers the lives of innocent people. He criticized the leaders for letting their personal disputes affect the safety and well-being of the people.
“For selfish reasons, people have been denied the liberty to enjoy even their cultural happenings. We are always in constant fear of what may happen the next moment. We do not deserve this at all. Let us rest in peace and not when we are no more,” he said.
As the situation escalates, the Kano State Police Command has yet to publicly comment on the planned Sallah Durbar and the ongoing dispute between the two emirs. It remains unclear how the police will respond if both Sanusi and Bayero attempt to hold separate events in the same city, given the potential for clashes between their supporters.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has maintained a neutral stance, leaving the two monarchs to resolve the issue themselves. However, there are growing calls for the state government to intervene in order to prevent any violence or disruption during the Durbar. Many residents are worried that the situation could escalate into an open confrontation, especially if both emirs attempt to hold competing events at the same time.
The Kano State Government has urged all stakeholders to prioritize peace and unity, emphasizing the need for dialogue and understanding in resolving the emirship dispute. Governor Yusuf has called on both Bayero and Sanusi to work together for the good of the people, even as they continue to assert their respective claims to the throne.
Kano, with its rich cultural history and deep-rooted traditions, is facing a delicate moment as the emirship dispute threatens to overshadow the unity of the state. The Sallah Durbar, a symbol of Kano’s cultural pride, now stands at the center of a political struggle, leaving residents uncertain about how the situation will unfold.
The stakes are high, as the outcome of this dispute could shape the future of traditional leadership in Kano for years to come. While both Sanusi and Bayero have their loyal followers, the true impact of their rivalry on the people of Kano will only become clear as the date for the Sallah Durbar approaches.
