Police Ban Sallah Durbar Amid Emirate Crisis in Kano
In the midst of the ongoing crisis surrounding the Kano Emirate, the Kano State Police Command has issued a ban on all durbar activities throughout the state ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
This decision comes as tensions escalate following the repeal of the Kano Emirate Council Law 2019 and the subsequent dethronement of five emirs.
The ban order was conveyed in a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Abdullahi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel.
It was issued in response to the brewing conflict stemming from the legal and traditional disputes surrounding the Kano Emirate.
The Kano Emirate has been embroiled in controversy since the State Assembly repealed the Kano Emirate Council Law 2019, effectively restoring the emirate to its pre-2019 state and reinstating Lamido Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano.
However, Ado Bayero, the 15th Emir, has continued to contest the decision, leading to a divided leadership within the emirate.
In a recent circular issued by Bayero’s camp, plans for Sallah Durbar celebrations at the Gidan Nasarawa palace were announced, sparking concerns of potential clashes between supporters of the two claimants to the throne.
Despite assurances of police protection for the durbar, the Commissioner of Police denied receiving any formal request from Bayero’s camp.
To prevent further escalation and ensure public safety, the police have prohibited all durbar activities and urged both parties to refrain from contentious events during the festive period.
Meanwhile, legal proceedings regarding the emirate crisis continue, with Justice A.M. Liman of the Federal High Court asserted the court’s jurisdiction to hear Bayero’s case.
The court has suspended the implementation of the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law, 2024, pending the determination of a substantive suit challenging Sanusi’s reinstatement.
Amidst these developments, a purported letter urging Sanusi to step down, allegedly from the Global Leader of the Tijaniyya Islamic Group, Sheikh Muhammad Niasse, has surfaced.
However, the group has vehemently denied the authenticity of the letter, stating that it was forged and did not originate from their leader.
In response to the forged letter, the group has threatened legal action against those responsible and alerted security agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly.
