Nigerian security agencies have imposed a ban on the traditional Sallah Durbar procession in Kano, marking the end of Ramadan fasting, citing concerns over potential clashes arising from the ongoing emirship dispute.
The ban was announced by the head of security agencies in the state during a joint press conference on Friday in Kano, where they declared that “there will be no Sallah durbar procession across the state.”
Police spokesperson in Kano, Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the development in a brief Hausa statement on Facebook, promising further details shortly.
This decision comes after Governor Abba Yusuf, on March 18, directed the state’s emirate councils to proceed with preparations for the cultural procession, stating that “administration will not relent and will not allow any adversaries to deprive citizens of this cherished right (durbar procession).
He assured the public that all security agencies in the state will be engaged to provide adequate protection for the people during the celebration,” a statement by his spokesman read in part.
However, the security agencies’ announcement follows a similar move by the embattled 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado-Bayero, who, late Wednesday, cancelled his own planned procession, adding that he made the decision after consultation with elders and clerics who prevailed on him to cancel the procession in the interest of peace.
The situation is further complicated by the reinstatement of Lamido Sanusi, who was deposed by the previous state government and subsequently reinstalled by the current administration.
Sanusi had also announced plans for the Durbar, raising serious concerns among security agencies about potential clashes between the supporters of the two contending emirs.
The security agencies have ultimately intervened to prevent what they perceived as a significant threat to public safety and order.