The 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, is set to begin the traditional Sallah horse-riding procession, known as Hawan Daushe, on Thursday in Kano State amid the continuing emirship dispute in the ancient city.
The procession will be followed by Hawan Nassarawa on Friday, according to a senior councillor in Bayero’s palace, Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’agundi, who announced the plans on Wednesday.
Dan’agundi, who holds the traditional title of Sarkin Dawaki Babba, said security agencies had been informed about the activities and had not stopped the palace from proceeding with the annual Sallah celebrations.
He explained that the Hawan Daushe procession would begin from the Nassarawa Emir’s Palace and move through parts of Kano city before returning to the palace.
According to him, the procession would not pass through the main Kano Emir’s Palace, which is currently occupied by the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
“We have written to the police, and they have not said we shouldn’t carry out the exercise, so we are going to do it accordingly in a more peaceful way, starting from the Nassarawa Emir Palace to Kofar Nassarawa back to his home,” Dan’agundi said.
He added that Friday’s Hawan Nassarawa procession would move through major roads in the state to Fagge and then to Mandawari, where the Emir would stop briefly to avoid overcrowding because of the large number of supporters expected to join the event.
Dan’agundi assured residents that the Sallah activities would be peaceful and orderly. He said supporters and palace guards had already been warned against engaging in any act capable of causing violence or unrest in the state.
The Sallah durbar, also known as Hawan Sallah, is one of the oldest cultural traditions in Kano Emirate. It usually features colourful horse-riding displays by the Emir, district heads, title holders, palace guards and other traditional leaders during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
For decades, the event has attracted thousands of residents, tourists and dignitaries from different parts of the country and beyond. The celebration is regarded as an important symbol of Kano’s rich cultural heritage and history.
However, this year’s procession comes at a sensitive time due to the ongoing dispute surrounding the Kano Emirship.
The crisis began after the Kano State Government reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir following the removal of Aminu Ado Bayero. The development led to legal and political disagreements, with both emirs laying claim to the throne at different times.
Since the controversy started, tension has remained high in parts of Kano, especially during major public outings involving either of the two royal figures.
Security agencies have repeatedly appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid actions capable of disrupting public peace.
In recent months, authorities have also increased security presence around key locations linked to the emirship tussle, including palaces and major roads in Kano metropolis.
Despite the tension, supporters of Bayero have continued to organise activities around him, insisting he remains their recognised Emir.
The announcement of the Sallah horse-riding procession has therefore attracted significant attention across the state, with many residents closely watching how the celebrations will unfold.
Traditional rulers and cultural leaders in northern Nigeria often use the Sallah durbar to connect with the people, showcase culture and promote unity among communities.
In Kano, the event is especially important because of the historic position of the emirate, which is considered one of the most influential traditional institutions in the country.
Residents have meanwhile expressed mixed feelings over the planned procession. While many see it as part of Kano’s long-standing tradition that should continue peacefully, others have called for caution to avoid any possible confrontation between rival supporters.
The Kano State Police Command has yet to issue a fresh public statement specifically on the planned activities, but security officials in the state have continued to stress the need for peaceful conduct during the Eid celebrations.
As preparations continue, attention is expected to remain on Kano throughout the Sallah period, especially with large crowds likely to gather during the traditional horse-riding events.
For many residents, the hope is that the celebrations will proceed without violence and preserve the cultural pride associated with the famous Kano durbar tradition.