Emir Sanusi not leading Sallah Durbar celebration — Kano govt

Kano State Government has dismissed reports claiming that the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, will lead the forthcoming Sallah Durbar, describing the information as unfounded.

However, it should be recalled that the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, has formally notified security agencies of preparations for the 2026 Sallah Durbar celebrations, scheduled to take place at the Emir’s Palace in Kano, despite the lingering leadership dispute within the emirate.

According to a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, no official decision had been taken regarding the leadership of the traditional event.

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The government noted that matters relating to the Kano Emirate are currently before a court of law and urged the public to allow the due legal process to proceed without interference or actions that could create confusion.

It maintained its neutrality in the ongoing emirate dispute, distancing itself from all parties involved pending a final and legally binding judgment.

The statement also called on residents to remain law-abiding and refrain from spreading unverified information, urging reliance on credible and official sources for updates.

Media organisations and social media users were further advised to verify the authenticity of information before dissemination, particularly as Sallah celebrations approach, to prevent misinformation and potential unrest.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining peace, unity and stability across Kano State.

Meanwhile, the notification of Emir Ado Bayero was conveyed in a letter dated March 7, 2026, addressed to the Commissioner of Police in Kano State.

The letter, issued by the Kano Emirate Council under Bayero, said the move was aimed at ensuring adequate security arrangements for the traditional festivities marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.

Signed by the Emir’s Private Secretary, Abdullahi Haruna Kwaru, the correspondence stated that the Emir and members of the council had approved the programme of activities for the Sallah celebrations.

According to the schedule released by the palace, the celebrations will feature several traditional Durbar events including Hawan Sallah, Hawan Daushe, Hawan Nasarawa, and Hawan Panisau, as well as other cultural displays associated with the annual festival.

Activities on Sallah Day will commence with a royal procession from the palace to the Eid prayer ground, where the Eid prayer and sermon will be observed.

After the prayers, Emir Bayero is expected to lead a series of horse-riding processions through parts of the city, accompanied by district heads and palace officials.

Later in the day, the Emir will receive homage from traditional title holders, government officials and members of the public at the palace.

The second day of the celebration, scheduled for Saturday, March 21, will feature the Hawan Daushe procession during which the Emir will ride through major routes in the city alongside district heads and palace guards before returning to the palace.

The festivities will continue on Sunday, March 22, with the Hawan Nasarawa, another historic Durbar procession traditionally held around the Nasarawa area of the ancient city.

The palace also expressed appreciation to security agencies for their continued cooperation in maintaining peace and order during previous celebrations and prayed for a peaceful and successful Sallah across the state.

The Sallah Durbar in Kano is regarded as one of the most prominent cultural events in northern Nigeria, attracting thousands of residents and visitors who gather to witness colourful displays of horsemanship, traditional regalia and royal pageantry.