Two rival claimants to the Kano Emirate throne, Muhammadu Sanusi II and Aminu Bayero, have suspended all Eid-el-Kabir Durbar activities following heightened security concerns in the state.
The decision came after both camps had earlier announced separate Sallah Durbar processions, a development that raised fears of possible clashes among supporters and residents across Kano State.
The suspension of the Durbar celebrations was announced on Thursday by both Emirs through their aides.
Speaking on behalf of Emir Sanusi, the Matawallen Kano, Aliyu Ibrahim, said intelligence reports received by the Emirate Council indicated that some elements intended to exploit the festivities to incite unrest and disturb public order.
According to him, the suspension was necessary to safeguard lives and preserve peace during the Eid celebrations.
“We decided to shelve the Durbar activities to prevent any breakdown of law and order. Peace and stability remain more important than any celebration,” he said.
Similarly, Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Aminu Dan’agundi, announced the suspension on behalf of Emir Bayero, stating that the decision followed directives issued by security agencies.
He said Bayero’s camp would fully comply with instructions from the police and other security authorities in the interest of maintaining calm.
“We are law-abiding citizens, and we believe protecting the peace of Kano must come first at this critical moment,” Dan’agundi said.
The cancellation followed growing public anxiety after both royal camps indicated plans to organise separate Durbar processions along traditional routes historically associated with the ancient Kano Emirate.
Before the suspension, both Emirs had conducted parallel Hawan Sallah outings on Wednesday using different routes and locations, further heightening concerns over possible tensions during subsequent celebrations.
The prolonged emirship dispute dates back to 2024 when Governor Abba Yusuf reinstated Sanusi as Emir after the dethronement of Bayero.
Sanusi himself had earlier been removed from the throne in 2020 by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Since then, legal battles over the Kano Emirship have continued in various courts, repeatedly affecting the conduct of the famous Durbar celebrations, regarded as one of the most significant cultural traditions in Northern Nigeria.
The Supreme Court recently adjourned further proceedings in the matter until April 2027, effectively leaving the leadership tussle unresolved pending its final decision.