The Kano State Government has been criticised by the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, over what he described as preferential treatment in allowing Muhammadu Sanusi II to carry out a limited procession.
According to him, “The move could be interpreted as official recognition of Sanusi as Emir, following the ongoing legal dispute surrounding the Kano Emirate that is currently before the courts.”
Bayero had earlier notified security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, of his intention to organise a durbar celebration after the Ramadan fast.
He, however, accepted the state government’s directive suspending the traditional Eid durbar, citing the need to maintain peace and stability in the state.
During a media briefing, the Emir’s position was conveyed by the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Aminu Babba Danagundi, who stated that the monarch had directed his followers to fully comply with the government’s directive, leading to the cancellation of all preparations for the Sallah procession.
He noted that the decision to forgo the durbar was taken in the interest of peace, stressing that the Emirate would not engage in any activity capable of causing unrest in the state.
He commended the Kano State Government for its broader security considerations but lamented the approval granted to Sanusi for a limited procession.
Danagundi explained that such a decision could be seen as tacit recognition of Sanusi, even as the legal dispute over the Kano Emirate remains unresolved, noting that the Kano State Government had earlier announced restrictions on Eid al-Fitr durbar activities, citing security intelligence and the need to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
