Durbar Suspension: Kano Demands Federal Government’s Compensation

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

After spearheading the disruption of the celebration of their religious and cultural heritage- Sallah Durbar, the Kano State Government has demanded from the Federal Government a handsome  compensatory package.

At the occasion of the traditional Sallah homage to the Governor by the factional Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido on Sunday, June 8, 2025, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs,Tajo Uthman said the people deserve  to be compensated for having the all important fiesta aborted for two consecutive years.

The Source reports that since May 23, 2024, when  the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero was unceremoniously removed and supplanted with Sanusi, the ancient Kano Emirate has been parading two Emirs

Both have been laying claim to the coveted royal crown with Sanusi holding court at the City Main Palace ,while Bayero, the eldest son of the 13th Emir, late Ado Bayero, is holding out at the Nassarawa Palace GRA Kano.

The insistence of the duo to simultaneously hold the Sallah Durbar and the resultant tension and anxiety have prompted security agencies to order a pause on the religious and cultural fiesta to avoid a possible breakdown of law and order.

But Uthman noted that the State has suffered serious economic losses owing to the cancelation of the Durbar.

According to him, the ceremony usually attracts, on yearly bases, a considerable number of local and international tourists to the state ,with its concomitant economic advantages which adds to the gross domestic product GDP.

He emphasized the huge importance of the yearly festival,which several international organizations including the UNESCO have acknowledged its positive impacts.

“The Durbar is recognized by the UNESCO as a very important religious and cultural heritage, and during the festivities. Kano generates significant revenue from both local and international tourists.

“Its cancelation for two consecutive years now has considerably impacted negatively on the state’s economy ,so much so that it is  affecting the overall performance of Kano budget.

“So it is high time ,we the people of Kano demanded compensation for the huge economic losses we have incurred in the last two years”, Uthman stated