The 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero, has formally informed security agencies in Kano State of plans to hold the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir Durbar celebrations from the Nasarawa Palace despite the ongoing emirship dispute in the state.
In separate letters sent to the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, and the State Director of the Department of State Services, DSS, the emirate announced that preparations had begun for the annual Sallah festivities scheduled to commence on May 27, 2026.
Copies of the letters, dated May 17, 2026, were made available to journalists on Friday.
The letters were signed by the Private Secretary to the Emir, Abdullahi Kwaru, on behalf of the emirate council.
According to the letters, the decision to organise the Durbar followed meetings held by members of the Kano Emirate Council, who agreed that the traditional festival should go ahead as planned.
“The outcome of the meetings of Kano Emirate Council members indicated the observance of Durbar festivities as provided in the attached programme,” the letter stated.
The emirate explained that the Durbar remains one of the most important cultural and religious events in Kano, during which the Emir rides through major parts of the city on horseback alongside district heads, title holders and members of the emirate council.
The procession is usually attended by thousands of residents, visitors and tourists who gather to witness the colourful display of royal traditions, horse riding and cultural performances associated with the ancient Kano emirate.
“Durbar festivities are annual events that enable His Highness to go round the city with his council members on horseback with royal paraphernalia to see his people and his subjects also to greet him,” the letter added.
The emirate assured security agencies that the event would be peaceful and orderly and appealed for support and cooperation from security operatives before and during the celebrations.
“While anticipating your usual cooperation and support, please accept the assurance of His Highness’ esteemed regards,” the letter concluded.
The latest development comes amid renewed public attention over the lingering emirship crisis in Kano State following the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II by the Kano State Government.
Sanusi was removed as emir in March 2020 by the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. Following his removal, Aminu Bayero, who was Emir of Bichi at the time, was appointed as the 15th Emir of Kano.
However, the political situation changed after Governor Abba Yusuf and the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, took over power in Kano State in 2023.
In 2024, the Kano State Government repealed the law that created additional emirates under the Ganduje administration and subsequently reinstated Sanusi as the Emir of Kano.
The move sparked legal battles and political tension across the state, with Bayero challenging his removal in court.
Since then, both Bayero and Sanusi have continued to operate from different palaces in Kano, creating uncertainty over official traditional activities and royal functions in the state.
Bayero has remained at the Nasarawa Palace under heavy security presence, while Sanusi occupies the main palace in Kano city.
The emirship dispute has continued to attract national attention because of Kano’s political and cultural importance in Northern Nigeria.
In previous years, the Kano Durbar attracted visitors from across Nigeria and beyond because of its rich display of Hausa cultural heritage, traditional horse riding, drumming and royal processions.
The festival is also considered an important economic activity for Kano, as hotels, transport operators, traders and artisans often benefit from the large number of visitors during the Sallah period.
However, due to political tension and security concerns linked to the emirship tussle, some recent Durbar activities in Kano have either been suspended or heavily monitored by security agencies.
Residents are now watching closely to see how authorities will manage this year’s celebration amid the ongoing court cases and competing claims over the Kano throne.
So far, neither the Kano State Government nor security agencies have publicly reacted to Bayero’s notification letters.
Many residents have also called for calm, urging supporters of both emirs to avoid actions that could threaten peace in the state.