The palace of the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, has taken a significant step that could reignite tensions in the historic city. In a formal notification dated March 7, 2026, the emirate council has informed the Nigeria Police Force in Kano about preparations for upcoming Sallah Durbar festivities.
A Direct Challenge to Police Authority
The notification, addressed to Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori and signed by the emir's private secretary Abdullahi Haruna Kwaru, represents a clear challenge to existing law enforcement directives. Police had previously banned Durbar celebrations following violence that erupted from the rivalry between two claimants to the Kano throne: Emir Aminu Ado Bayero and Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, the 16th Emir of Kano.
The Specifics of the Notification
According to the letter, the durbar activities would be conducted from the emir's palace in Nasarawa, Kano. This geographical specification is particularly significant, as it anchors the planned festivities to a physical seat of traditional authority. While presented as a procedural notification, the move carries substantial political weight given the unresolved nature of the Kano emirship dispute.
The Police's Dilemma
The notification places Kano police command in a difficult position. They must now decide whether to:
- Uphold their existing ban, potentially sparking public tension and accusations of disrespect toward traditional institutions
- Grant an exception, which could be interpreted as taking sides in the royal dispute
Background: The Throne Rivalry
The current situation stems from the ongoing contention between Emir Aminu Ado Bayero and Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi for the historic Kano throne. The police ban on Durbar was implemented as a direct security measure following violent incidents between supporters of the two claimants. This formal request to proceed with the banned event serves as a measurable indicator that underlying tensions within the traditional institution persist.
What Happens Next?
All eyes are now on the Kano police command as they assess current security realities and formulate a response. Their decision will not only affect the immediate Sallah celebrations but could also signal the state of the broader emirship dispute. The Bayero faction's decision to proceed with formal notification demonstrates their continued operation as de facto authority for organizing major public ceremonies, despite the unresolved succession issue.
The coming days will reveal whether traditional festivities can proceed peacefully or if security concerns still necessitate restrictions in Nigeria's historic northern city.
