The Kano State Police Command has announced a ban on Durbar activities during the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
The decision was detailed in a statement issued on Thursday by the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Usaini Gumel, citing the need to maintain peace and order in conjunction with all relevant security stakeholders.
“In furtherance, a ban on all contending parties has been placed restraining both from conducting Durbar activities for the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations,” Gumel stated.
He advised worshippers to conduct their Eid prayers at the various designated praying grounds, adhering to traditional practices.
“In this trying period, the Police will enforce the existing Court Order and prevail on the two contending parties regarding the Kano Emirates tussle and urge them to remain apart and respect the court order,” he added.
The commissioner emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and cooperation from all stakeholders to build a safer and more secure environment. He also urged the general public to report any suspicious movement of persons or items to the nearest police station.
This directive follows recent developments in the Kano emirate saga. Deposed 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, had directed his District Heads to participate in the Sallah Durbar celebration. However, the command denied receiving any request from Bayero seeking permission to organize the Sallah Durbar during the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
Bayero was deposed on May 23, 2024, after the Kano State House of Assembly repealed the Kano Emirate Council Law 2019, which had split the Kano emirate into five. Acting on the newly passed Kano State Emirate Council Law 2024, Governor Abba Yusuf sacked the five emirs and reinstated Lamido Sanusi, who was deposed in 2020 by former governor Abdullahi Ganduje, as the 16th Emir of Kano.
Despite his dethronement, Ado Bayero has rejected the decision and continues to lay claim to the ancient stool, operating from a mini palace at Nasarawa.