Security fears mount over planned rival durbars as Kano govt recognises only Sanusi’s festival

Security concerns are rising in Kano ahead of the Sallah celebrations amid fears that rival Durbar festivals could be held simultaneously by two claimants to the emirate throne, a development analysts warn could threaten public order in the commercial hub.

Authorities are particularly worried about the implications of two parallel horse-riding processions across the city — a spectacle that traditionally draws thousands of residents and visitors — at a time when tensions remain high over the Kano emirship dispute.

The Kano State Government has, however, declared that only the Durbar organised by the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, will be officially recognised during the upcoming Eid festivities.

The clarification comes amid indications that the immediate past emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, may also attempt to organise a separate Durbar despite the unresolved legal dispute over the emirship.

Government sources say allowing two rival processions within the same city could pose serious security risks, particularly given Kano’s dense population and the symbolic importance of the Durbar, which involves large gatherings of horsemen, palace officials and spectators.

The emirship tussle between Sanusi and Bayero is currently before the courts, with a final judicial determination yet to be reached.

Concerned about the potential consequences, Islamic cleric Yahya Shehu Maimota has called on the two camps to exercise restraint to preserve the fragile peace in the state.
Speaking during a Ramadan Tafseer at Sabo Dankoli Juma’at Mosque in Sharada area of Kano metropolis, the cleric urged leaders and residents to prioritise peace, citing the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad on avoiding conflict.

Read also: Ilorin Durbar 2025: A living proof of ‘Unity in Diversity’

“Do not wish for war or meeting enemies; always seek peace and tranquillity in society,” he said, stressing that no community can prosper amid chaos.

Maimota warned that Kano’s long-standing reputation as a major commercial centre depends heavily on stability, adding that commerce, education and social life flourish only in a peaceful environment.

According to him, although the Sallah Durbar remains one of the most important cultural traditions of the ancient emirate, the festival should be suspended if it risks triggering violence.

Historically, he noted, emirs had themselves suspended Durbar celebrations during periods of tension to prevent clashes.
“It is therefore troubling that the current threat is coming from the leadership of the emirate itself,” he said.

He called on the Kano State Government and security agencies to take proactive steps to prevent a breakdown of law and order, warning that even heavy deployment of security personnel may not fully contain possible violence if rival gatherings occur simultaneously.

The cleric also reminded leaders that they would ultimately be accountable for their actions, urging political actors not to exploit the emirship dispute for partisan interests.

The Durbar festival — a colourful cultural display involving royal horsemen, traditional title holders and palace guards — is one of the most prominent attractions of Sallah celebrations in Kano and often draws tour
ists from across Nigeria and beyond.

However, with the emirship dispute still unresolved, observers say this year’s festivities could test the ability of authorities to balance cultural traditions with the need to maintain peace in one of northern Nigeria’s most influential cities.