The 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, has cancelled this year’s annual Sallah Durbar amidst growing security concerns and an escalating power struggle over the Kano Emirate stool.
The decision is informed by growing tensions between rival emirs and political factions in Nigeria’s most populous northern state, as the stool assumed more political connection.
The Kano Emirate has been in turmoil since May 2024, when Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf dissolved the five emirates created by his predecessor and reinstated Alhaji Lamido Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano.
Sanusi had been ousted in 2020 by then-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who appointed Bayero in his place.
Sanusi was removed by former governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who was elected as governor under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC), but was reinstated by Abba Yusuf, a protege of Musa Kwankwanso, a former governor and opponent of Ganduje.
While Sanusi took control of the traditional palace, Bayero remained in the Nasarawa mini palace, refusing to concede, leading to political and legal battles and deepening divisions across the state.
The Sallah Durbar, a grand festival of royal processions, became a flashpoint as both Sanusi and Bayero planned separate celebrations. Governor Yusuf endorsed Sanusi’s leadership of the event, while Bayero sought security clearance for his procession.
Fearing unrest, Bayero announced the cancellation of his Durbar, citing advice from Islamic scholars and elders. “The unity of our people is more important than any festival,” he stated.
Bayero’s move is seen as either a peace gesture or a strategic retreat as the legal battle over the emirate continues.
With Kano’s traditional leadership now entangled in political power struggles, the future of the emirate remains uncertain, leaving residents and stakeholders awaiting a resolution.
