Like Bayero, Sanusi Cancels Sallah Durbar, Pledges Cooperation With Security Agencies

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The factional Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido has  noted that the celebration of Sallah Durbar is not a do or die affair.

He  hailed Security Agencies’ decision to ban all forms of Sallah processions and Durbar in the ancient city of Kano during this year’s  Eid El Fitr celebration.

The Police authorities in Kano, on Friday March, 28, for the second year running, banned Emirs Aminu Ado Bayero and Sanusi, as well as their supporters from holding or  conducting  any Sallah Durbar or processions in the State during this year’s  sallah festivities.

A statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa SP, noted that the decision was necessitated by the need to avoid any possible breakdown of law and order in the state.

Bayero and Sanusi have since May 23, 2023 been locked in a royal tussle for the control of the Kano  Emirate  throne .

Both are for the first time in the history of the ancient Emirate laying claims to the throne, a situation that has also polarized the State into two camps.

While Sanusi occupies the Palace inside the ancient city of Kano, Bayero whose late father, Ado Bayero, was the 13th Emir, presently holds court at the Nasarawa Mini Palace, the final resting place for his father and other past Emirs.

Similarly, while Sanusi is being backed by the Kano state Government, Bayero draws support from the centre.

The two rival camps’ disposition to hold Sallah Durbar, simultaneously, was at  the root of the decision by  Security Agencies to ban the ceremony.

However, before the official announcement suspending Sallah durbar, the Camp of Bayero had last Wednesday March 26, voluntarily halted preparations for the ceremony, citing the need to avoid anarchy and breach of peace of the state as reason .

At an Iftar ( Ramadan breakfast ) on Saturday evening, Sanusi, while, also, announcing his camp’s suspension of this year’s Durbar, informed that the decision has become necessary to ensure peace in the State.

According to him, much as the Durbar celebration represents part of the cherished cultural heritage of the people, it is nevertheless not a matter of life and death.

Further speaking during the breakfast which had in attendance Islamic clerics, scholars, Kano Government officials, and other prominent kano indigenes, the Kano State Government- reinstalled 16th Emir, emphasized the imperativeness of peace to the progress, growth and development of any society.

Consequently, he announced his decision to halt all activities earlier lined up for the Sallah Durbar .

He further sued for calm, and understanding from the people, while also pledging to cooperate with security agencies to ensure peace ,before ,during and after the Eid El Mubarak .