Deposed Emir Aminu Bayero Cancels Parallel Sallah Durbar Amid Kano Tensions

Move Aims to Prevent Unrest as Rival Claimants Clash Over Traditional Celebration

The deposed Emir of Kano, Emir Aminu Bayero, has officially called off his plan to hold a parallel Sallah durbar in the ancient city, citing concerns over rising tensions between him and the reinstated Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II. The cancellation comes amid growing fears that the rivalry between the two claimants to the Kano throne could escalate into violence.

In a broadcast on Wednesday night, Bayero stated that his decision was influenced by advice from religious leaders, elders, and council members, all of whom urged him to prioritize peace in Kano.

“This decision follows advice from our respected religious leaders, whom we hold in high regard. It is also based on the calls from elders and discussions with our council members,” Bayero explained.

He further expressed hope that stepping aside from the traditional celebration would pave the way for lasting peace and stability in the state.

“We emphasize that the Sallah durbar is not a do-or-die affair. If it leads to chaos and the potential loss of lives and property, it is only right that we forgo the plan,” he said.

Bayero also urged the people of Kano to use the festive period as an opportunity for family visits and strengthening kinship ties, rather than fueling division.

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Background: The Kano Emirate Crisis

The Kano Emirate crisis dates back to 2020, when Muhammadu Sanusi II was dethroned by the then-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and replaced by Aminu Bayero. However, in 2024, the new administration led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reinstated Sanusi, effectively removing Bayero from the throne.

Since then, Kano has experienced a deepening dispute between supporters of both emirs. The Sallah durbar, a grand procession marking Eid-el-Fitr, was set to become another battleground in the power struggle between the two factions.

With both Bayero and Sanusi planning separate durbar events, concerns mounted that such parallel celebrations could escalate tensions and result in clashes between supporters. The security risks prompted calls from various quarters, including traditional leaders, security agencies, and religious scholars, for a peaceful resolution.

By calling off his durbar, Bayero has taken a significant step toward defusing tensions, although the broader conflict over the Kano Emirate remains unresolved.

Federal Government Declares Public Holidays for Eid-el-Fitr

Meanwhile, the Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration. The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Magdalene Ajani.

Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerian Muslims on the successful completion of the fasting period in the holy month of Ramadan. He also called on Muslims to embrace the virtues of self-discipline, compassion, generosity, and peace.

“We urge all Muslims to embrace the virtues of self-discipline, compassion, generosity, and peace, emphasizing the importance of love, forgiveness, and solidarity in building a harmonious society,” the minister stated.

He further encouraged Nigerians to use the festive season as an opportunity to pray for peace, stability, and prosperity in the country.

“Let us use this festive period to pray for the peace, stability, and prosperity of our nation.”

Tunji-Ojo expressed hope that the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr would inspire unity and cooperation across religious and ethnic lines.

Call for Safe and Responsible Celebrations

The minister also reminded Nigerians to celebrate safely and responsibly, while remembering the less privileged through acts of kindness and charity, in line with the spirit of Ramadan and Eid-el-Fitr.

“Dr. Tunji-Ojo also encouraged citizens to celebrate safely and responsibly, while remembering the less privileged through acts of kindness and charity, in keeping with the true spirit of Ramadan and Eid.”

On behalf of the Federal Government, he extended heartfelt Eid Mubarak wishes to all Muslims in Nigeria, praying that the blessings of the season bring happiness, success, and fulfillment to all citizens.

“The government wishes all Muslim faithful a joyous celebration and prays that the blessings of the season bring happiness, success, and fulfillment to everyone.”

A Festive Season Amid Political Tensions

While Eid-el-Fitr is a period of joy, reflection, and thanksgiving, the ongoing political and traditional rivalry in Kano has cast a shadow over the celebrations in the state. However, Bayero’s decision to cancel his durbar has been widely seen as a move to ease tensions and prevent potential unrest.

With the Federal Government’s declaration of public holidays, Nigerians will have time to engage in festivities, prayers, and community activities. Nonetheless, security agencies are expected to remain on high alert in Kano, given the fragile situation surrounding the Emirate leadership dispute.

As the country marks the end of Ramadan, many Nigerians will be watching closely to see if peace will prevail in Kano and whether the emirate crisis will eventually be resolved through dialogue and reconciliation.