Following the ban on Sallah Durbar activities in Kano, the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, on Tuesday, abandoned the traditional horse procession and instead traveled by vehicle convoy to pay Sallah homage to Governor Abba Yusuf at the Kano Government House.
The emir also altered his route from the Emir’s Palace to State Road and then to the Government House, a move reportedly aimed at avoiding potential security breaches.
The decision to cancel the Sallah Durbar had created tension among residents, particularly after the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji (Dr.) Aminu Ado Bayero, notified the state police of his plans to hold the traditional procession during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
Governor Abba Yusuf had earlier encouraged Emir Sanusi and the Kano Emirate to prepare for this year’s Durbar. However, amid growing security concerns, Bayero announced the cancellation of all Durbar activities. The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Bakori, later issued a formal ban on all such events, citing the need to maintain peace.
In response, Emir Sanusi welcomed the decision and urged residents to remain calm.
On Tuesday, the emir chose a vehicle procession instead of the traditional horse ride to the Government House, where he commended Governor Yusuf for his policies on education, healthcare, agriculture, and security.
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“We’ve come to pay Sallah homage and thank you for your outstanding work, especially in education and agriculture, where you’ve provided subsidized modern farming implements,” Sanusi said.
“We are grateful to God for allowing us to witness this special moment, where we gather to greet the governor once again on the occasion of Sallah,” he added.
The emir also praised members of the State House of Assembly for their efforts, stating, “We are hopeful that the governor will continue to do well, and we urge local government chairmen to follow his example and complement his efforts.”
Governor Yusuf, in turn, commended Emir Sanusi for his role in fostering peace and unity across the state.
“We are thankful to God for sparing us to see this day. It’s a tradition that on a day like this, the emir, accompanied by his entourage, visits us to pay Sallah homage.
“We thank God for sparing us to complete our Ramadan fast in peace,” the governor said.
He also acknowledged the emir’s efforts in promoting social harmony.
“We appreciate the emir’s persistent calls against antisocial vices in the state. Our emir is a leader who genuinely cares for his people. His dedication to bringing together different Islamic sects is a remarkable achievement,” Yusuf added.
The governor further assured residents that his administration remains committed to sustaining peace in Kano.
“Everyone can see our tireless efforts to transform Kano into a megacity with well-maintained streets.
“I have challenged them (public officeholders) to a competition to motivate them to perform better for their constituents,” he said.
© Ripples Nigeria
