As the Emirship tussle in Kano continues, the reinstated Emir Muhammad Sanusi II and the deposed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero led the Eid el-Kabir prayers in separate locations on Sunday, highlighting the deepening divide within the state.
Emir Muhammad Sanusi II, alongside Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, conducted prayers at the Kofar Mata Juma’at Mosque. Heavy rain forced the congregation indoors, but this did not dampen the spirit of the event.
Meanwhile, Emir Aminu Ado Bayero led prayers at the Nassarawa Mini Palace Mosque, maintaining his presence and influence in the region.
Following the prayers, Emir Sanusi II defiantly proceeded to the Gidan Shettima Palace at Kofar Kwaru, where he conducted a mini durbar.
This act of defiance came despite an earlier ban on durbar activities announced by the Kano State Police Command, which cited concerns for peace and security. The mini durbar, rich with traditional pomp and pageantry, was a symbolic assertion of Sanusi’s enduring authority and cultural significance.
After performing the two-unit prayers behind Emir Sanusi II, Governor Yusuf addressed the people of Kano. He urged them to remain calm and peaceful, assuring that their daily lives and lawful businesses should continue without fear. The governor also expressed his displeasure at the police’s unilateral decision to ban the durbar, indicating that he had not been consulted beforehand.
Despite the political and social undercurrents, Ahmad Yakasai, a former commissioner who prayed alongside Emir Bayero, expressed gratitude for the relative peace in the state. He emphasized the importance of maintaining harmony amidst the ongoing power struggle, reflecting the sentiments of many Kano residents who wish for stability and unity.
The dual prayer gatherings and subsequent events underscore the complex dynamics of Kano’s Emirship conflict, where tradition, authority, and modern governance intersect in a delicate balance.
