The Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, was absent on Sunday as the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, paid the traditional Sallah homage at the Government House.

Hawan Nasarawa, traditionally held on the third day of Shawwal, is one of the major highlights of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in Kano. During the event, the Emir customarily rides on horseback in a colorful procession from his palace to the Government House to pay homage to the governor.

However, in a departure from tradition this year, Sanusi II arrived at the Government House in a motorcade instead of the usual horseback procession.

The governor’s absence at the ceremony raised concerns among residents, as the event is traditionally marked by the presence of the state’s top citizen.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kano State Government had not issued any official statement explaining the governor’s absence.

A government source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to a lack of authorization to comment publicly, said, “The governor traveled to Lagos, but I am not in a position to give further details.”

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Jibril Isma’il Falgore, was seen alongside the Emir during the ceremony.

The development has sparked discussions among residents, as Hawan Nasarawa remains a key cultural and traditional event symbolizing respect and unity between the traditional institution and the government.