KANO, Nigeria — This year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in Kano unfolded under the shadow of a deepening royal crisis, as rival claimants to the Emir of Kano throne — Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II — led parallel Eid prayers at different locations across the city, underscoring the ongoing contest for the revered traditional seat.
Alhaji Ado Bayero, who was deposed in May but later reinstated through a court order, presided over prayers at the Nassarawa mini palace, where security was visibly heightened.
The sermon was delivered by Sarkin Malamai, Malam Kamalu Inuwa, who urged worshippers to embrace the values of Prophet Ibrahim through sacrifice, patience, and unity.
Simultaneously, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, who was reinstated by the Kano State Government, led a large congregation at the Kofar Mata Central Eid Ground.
He was flanked by top state functionaries, including Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo, cabinet members, and senior traditional leaders loyal to the current state administration.
In his Eid sermon, Sanusi stressed the importance of community action in curbing insecurity, particularly the rise in youth violence across the state.
“We must not allow violence and disunity to destroy the legacy of peace our forefathers established in Kano,” he said.
“A good upbringing begins at home. Parents must take full responsibility in guiding their children away from criminality.”
The parallel prayer sessions reflect the unresolved leadership impasse in Kano’s emirate structure, which has been at the centre of a legal and political tug-of-war since the state government reversed the 2020 dethronement of Sanusi and dissolved the emirates created during former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s administration.
In a significant departure from long-standing royal tradition, Muhammadu Sanusi II, walked more than one kilometre from his palace to the Eid prayer ground at Kofar Mata, foregoing the customary horseback procession that marks Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
The decision followed a formal announcement by the Emir on Thursday, June 5, 2025, suspending the 2025 Sallah Durbar due to what he described as “credible threats” to his life.
Speaking during a special broadcast from the Kofar Kudu Palace, Sanusi said the threats originated from politically motivated groups aiming to incite violence.
“We have credible reports that some youths in the Zage and Kofar Wambai areas have been mobilised by unpatriotic politicians to attack us,” the Emir said.
“As a precautionary measure, we have decided to suspend the Sallah Durbar.”
He urged district, ward, and village heads to remain at their posts and comply fully with the directive to avoid any unrest.
“We must prioritise peace and the safety of our people during this festive season,” Sanusi added, reiterating his administration’s commitment to stability and unity in the state.
Wearing full traditional regalia, the Emir led the two-rakat Eid prayer at the Kofar Mata Eid ground.
In his sermon following the prayer, Sanusi appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies to confront rising insecurity and the growing trend of youth thuggery in Kano.
Following the prayer, Emir Sanusi was conveyed back to his palace by vehicle, accompanied on foot by a crowd of supporters who chanted in solidarity.
