For every Kano fun-seeker and lover of tradition, the Sallah Durbar is a major event to look forward to—an experience that showcases the emirate’s rich cultural heritage. It is a time when citizens, visitors from other regions, and even foreigners gather to witness and appreciate the grandeur of the celebration.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a significant religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It is traditionally characterized by almsgiving and prayers for the acceptance of the month-long fast. Although Islam designates Eid as a single-day celebration, many cultures extend the festivities over several days. In Kano, the celebrations span five days, with one day set aside for rest.
For over 700 years, the Kano Emirate has conducted a series of activities to commemorate Sallah. Over time, these events have become deeply intertwined with Kano’s cultural identity. The Durbar is a period of reunion, cultural appreciation, and vibrant displays of tradition. It serves as an avenue for royal loyalists to exhibit their skillful horsemanship, while traditional titleholders don colourful regalia. The event also features poetic performances by natives and culminates in the Emir paying Sallah homage to the governor at the Government House.
However, in recent years, the grandeur of the Sallah Durbar in Kano has become an illusion. Security challenges and the prolonged emirate tussle following the ascension of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero on March 9, 2020—after the deposition of his nephew, Muhammad Sanusi II, by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje—have disrupted the celebrations. Bayero received his staff of office on July 3, 2021, as the 15th Emir of Kano. In May 2023, he was dethroned, and Muhammad Sanusi II was reinstated as the 16th Emir of Kano. Since then, a series of court verdicts have created uncertainty in the state, leading to the repeated cancellation of the Sallah Durbar.
Given this backdrop, it was no surprise that news of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s directive for the resumption of the 2025 Sallah Durbar was met with jubilation. The governor emphasized the importance of the celebration, noting that the people of Kano eagerly anticipate donning new clothes, lining the streets to witness their Emir on horseback, and exchanging greetings. He assured the public that security agencies would be fully engaged to ensure the safety of all participants.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving this cherished tradition, stating that adversaries would not be allowed to deprive citizens of their right to celebrate an age-old practice. However, shortly after the governor’s directive, the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, also announced plans to stage a Durbar. In a letter addressed to the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies, Bayero outlined a series of events, including Hawan Sallah, Hawan Daushe and Hawan Nassarawa on the 2nd and 3rd days of Shawwal 1446 AH, culminating in a cultural celebration on the fourth day.
This development emerged just days after Governor Yusuf directed the 16th Emir, Muhammad Sanusi II, to begin preparations for the grand Sallah festivities. Amid growing concerns among Kano residents, a sense of relief came when Bayero announced the cancellation of his planned Durbar due to security concerns. However, hours after his announcement, the Kano State Police Command declared a blanket ban on all Durbar activities for the year.
Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori made the announcement during a press briefing at the Bompai Police Headquarters, stating that security assessments indicated potential threats that could disrupt normal activities in the state. He cited credible intelligence reports suggesting that miscreants and their sponsors intend to exploit the Durbar for disruptive activities.
This decision once again dashed the hopes of many Kano residents who had eagerly awaited the return of the Durbar after three years.
Amina Bello Aminu, a 34-year-old mother of three, expressed her disappointment, stating that Sallah feels incomplete without the Durbar. “We really wanted to have a joyful Sallah, but we also understand the importance of a peaceful celebration. We will continue to pray for lasting security in Kano and the nation as a whole,” she said.
For 11-year-old Ibraheem Khalid, missing the Durbar for three consecutive years has been disheartening. “I always look forward to the Sallah Durbar, and now it has been canceled again. I even thought about asking my father to take us to Zaria to experience it there, but he told me it would be better to visit the Kano Zoo instead,” he lamented.
As Kano navigates its political and security challenges, residents remain hopeful that the beloved Sallah Durbar will one day return in all its splendour, restoring the cultural pride and joy that generations have cherished for centuries.