Tension is mounting in Kano State as the ongoing tussle over the emirship takes a new twist. Both Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 16th Emir of Kano, and Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the 15th Emir of Kano, have signaled their intention to host the 2025 Sallah Durbar, raising fears of a potential showdown.
The emirship dispute, which began in 2020 with the controversial removal of Sanusi II, has deepened following his reinstatement in 2024 by the Kano State government. Despite the move, Bayero continues to challenge his dethronement and remains stationed at the Nasarawa mini-palace.
Roots of the Emirship Crisis
The conflict traces back to 2020 when legislative changes led to the removal of Sanusi II as Emir of Kano. Following his removal, Bayero was installed as his successor. However, the Kano State government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reignited the dispute in 2024 by amending the 2020 Kano Emirate Law, allowing for Sanusi’s return to the throne.
Since then, both monarchs have laid claim to the emirship, maintaining parallel authority and intensifying divisions within the state.
Bayero Notifies Police of Durbar Plans
In response to a directive from Governor Yusuf instructing monarchs to prepare for the 2025 Sallah Durbar, Emir Bayero formally notified the Kano State Police Command of his intention to host the event.
A letter signed by his Private Secretary, Abdullahi Haruna Kwaru, outlined a detailed schedule for the celebrations. According to the letter, the Durbar will commence at the end of March 2025, featuring the iconic Hawan Sallah, Hawan Daushe, and Hawan Nassarawa processions. The festivities will span four days, aligning with the 1st to 4th days of Shawwal 1446AH.
Bayero’s letter also emphasized that the celebrations mark the fifth anniversary of his ascension to the throne and assured that the event would proceed peacefully under established security protocols.
State Government and Police Yet to Respond
Despite Bayero’s notification, neither the Kano State government nor Sanusi II has issued an official response. Given the cultural and political weight of the Durbar, observers expect both sides to clarify their positions soon.
The Kano State Police Command has also remained silent, leaving many residents anxious about the potential for confrontation if both emirs proceed with separate events.
Residents Express Concern Over Safety
The emirship tussle has fueled concerns among Kano residents, who worry that the ongoing rivalry may jeopardize public safety during the high-profile Durbar celebrations.
Malam Haladu Bello, a 78-year-old resident, voiced his anxiety over the situation. “I have witnessed several durbars with all the positive and negative things they bring, but what we perceive today is something entirely different,” he told Daily Trust.
Bello criticized political leaders for prioritizing personal interests over public welfare. “I am pleading with whosoever is concerned to temper mercy with justice and address this simple yet so difficult matter,” he added.
Similarly, Alhaji Usman Shehu, a 30-year-old resident, described the dispute as a “family matter” that should not endanger innocent lives. “For selfish reasons, people have been denied the liberty to enjoy even their cultural happenings. We do not deserve this at all,” he lamented.
What’s Next?
As both Sanusi II and Bayero prepare for their respective celebrations, all eyes are on the Kano State government and security agencies. The emirate tussle between the two contending emirs leads to an unpredictable outcome for the 2025 Sallah Durbar.
The actions of the government and security operatives will go a long way in determining this ongoing power struggle and could have far-reaching implications not only for the cultural heritage of Kano but also for political stability in the region.
