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Kano emirship dispute deepens as multiple claims emerge ahead of Sallah Durbar
Preparations for the forthcoming Sallah Durbar in Kano have once again brought the lingering emirship dispute to the forefront, as conflicting positions emerge over who will preside over the historic festival.
The Special Adviser to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Emirates and Chieftaincy Affairs, Professor Tijjani Muhammad Naniya, said Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II would lead the Durbar, describing him as the legitimate Emir of Kano.
However, the Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, cautioned that the matter remains before the courts, warning against unauthorised directives that could mislead the public.
Meanwhile, the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, has formally notified the police of his intention to host the Durbar from his Nassarawa mini-palace. His supporters say preparations are ongoing, raising concerns over possible parallel celebrations.
Sanusi II, regarded as the 16th Emir and currently based at the Gidan Rumfa palace, has yet to publicly announce his plans for the festival.
The dispute dates back to 2019 when the Kano Emirate was split into five under former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, a move that diminished Sanusi II’s authority. In 2020, Sanusi was dethroned and replaced by Bayero.
In 2024, Governor Yusuf repealed the law creating the additional emirates and reinstated Sanusi II. Despite this, Bayero returned to Kano and has continued to assert his claim to the throne from the Nassarawa mini-palace.
The rivalry has since led to parallel activities, including separate prayers and public engagements, and now threatens to extend to the Durbar. During the 2024 Eid celebrations, both emirs held separate processions, while in 2025, security agencies intervened to prevent clashes despite parallel events.
With both camps preparing for the 2026 Durbar, residents have expressed concern over the possibility of divided celebrations if the dispute remains unresolved.
The state government has maintained that the judiciary remains the proper channel for resolving the matter, as both sides continue to assert their authority.
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