Emir Bayero Cancels Sallah Durbar Amid Kano Monarchy Dispute
The annual Sallah Durbar in Kano, a grand cultural event traditionally celebrated with horse parades, communal gatherings, and a display of the rich heritage of the region, was notably absent during the recent Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. This year’s cancellation of the Sallah Durbar has sparked significant attention, particularly in light of the ongoing dispute surrounding the leadership of the Kano Emirate. The dispute stems from political and legal conflicts involving the dethronement and reinstatement of key figures within the monarchy, including the prominent Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero.
The Kano Emirate's leadership has been a source of tension for several months. In May 2024, the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, passed the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law, which effectively dissolved the existing emirates and led to the dethronement of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, the 15th Emir of Kano. This move opened the door for the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano, a decision that was met with legal challenges and protests from various quarters. A key moment in the dispute came in January 2025 when the Court of Appeal ruled in favor of the state's actions, confirming the legal standing of Emir Sanusi II. This judicial endorsement was seen as a decisive step in the ongoing controversy over who holds legitimate authority in the Kano Emirate.
Amidst this backdrop of political and legal battles, the Sallah Durbar, which is an integral part of the Eid celebrations in Kano, was cancelled by the Kano State Police Command in June 2024. Citing security concerns and the need to prevent disturbances, the police issued a directive banning all Durbar activities during the Eid-el-Kabir festivities. The ban was unprecedented, marking the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 that the Durbar was not held. The police encouraged citizens to attend the Eid prayers at designated grounds, but specifically prohibited the customary Durbar celebrations. This move by the authorities added another layer of complexity to the already fraught situation surrounding the monarchy.
Despite the official cancellation of the Durbar, both Emir Bayero, the dethroned monarch, and Emir Sanusi II, the reinstated ruler, continued to engage in separate ceremonial activities from their respective palaces. These actions further highlighted the divide in the traditional leadership, with each Emir still enjoying loyal followings and conducting separate royal events. This division in the leadership structure has kept the tensions high within the Kano Emirate and its people, as they remain divided over who the rightful ruler is.
The cancellation of the Sallah Durbar amidst the ongoing monarchy dispute underscores the complicated intersection between cultural traditions and political power struggles in Kano. As the legal battles continue and claims to the throne persist, the people of Kano are left navigating the uncertainty of their royal leadership. The resolution of this dispute will likely shape the future of the Emirate, with the hope that peace and unity will eventually be restored, allowing the people to once again celebrate their cultural heritage with the grandeur of the traditional Durbar.