A researcher and author, Malam Ibrahim Ado Kurawa, has dismissed the reported cancellation of a parallel Durbar initially planned by the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, as a mere charade.
Grassroots Parrot had reported how the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, on Wednesday cancelled his planned parallel Sallah durbar procession in the ancient city of Kano.
The decision came amidst heightened tensions following the conflicting intentions of the two claimants to the Kano throne, Emirs Muhammadu Sanusi II and Aminu Bayero, both of whom had initially planned to hold separate Sallah celebrations.
In a state broadcast, Emir Bayero cited advice from religious leaders, appeals from elders, and consultations with his council members as key reasons behind his decision to stand down.
“This decision follows advice by our respected religious leaders. We have special regards for them. This is in addition to calls by elders and the deliberations we made with our council members,” Bayero stated.
READ ALSO: Emir Bayero Cancels Sallah Durbar As Tensions Rise In Kano
But speaking to newsmen on Thursday, Kurawa asserted that Bayero was never in a position to stage the Sallah Durbar, having been stripped of the instruments and protocols associated with the traditional heritage.
Kurawa, a renowned historian of the Kano Emirate and author of the only book on Kano Durbar—recognized by UNESCO—insisted that the earlier announcement of a parallel Durbar was politically motivated and aimed at destabilizing the state’s relative peace.
He further emphasized that Bayero lacked the key emirate councillors and custodians of tradition, such as Shamaki, Dan Rimi, Madakin Shamaki, Madakin Dan Rimi, and Sallama, who are essential to the colorful event. The procession, he noted, is traditionally led by the Makaman Kano, none of whom align with Aminu Ado Bayero.
According to Kurawa, “Durbar is a ceremony or procession that has been going on for over 500 years. It has its processes and protocols. You cannot have Durbar if you are not in Gidan Rumfa because it was the first Sarkin Kano, Rumfa, who initiated it, establishing specific events, codes, and protocols for each Durbar.”
He elaborated on the significance of the traditional process, “For example, during Sallah, the Emir must come out dressed in white through the Fatalwa Gate at Gidan Rumfa Palace and proceed to the Eid Ground on foot.
READ ALSO: FG Declares Public Holidays For Eid-el-Fitr Celebration
After the prayer, he must return through a different route to address the people before re-entering the palace through another gate. The same strict protocols apply for events like Hawan Daushe, when the Emir visits his mother.”
Since Bayero is not operating from Gidan Rumfa, Kurawa argued, he is automatically incapacitated from leading the Sallah Durbar, as only an emir residing in the historic palace holds the authority to do so.
“So, he was only joking because he lacks the authority and legitimacy. He was not canceling the Durbar but only canceling his dramatization. At best, he would have only ridden horses, but that does not qualify as the Hawan Sarki Durbar, which is deeply rooted in culture and tradition.”
Kurawa further accused Bayero of attempting to disrupt the peace, emphasizing that his actions were only possible due to the federal government’s backing.
READ ALSO: Emir Sanusi Urges Peace Amid Tensions Over Reinstatement
“He was the one breaching the peace in the first place. If he has now resolved not to do so, we commend him for that.
However, everything he has done so far has been because of the federal government’s support. If the federal government had allowed the state government to discharge its statutory responsibility, things would not have turned out this way.”
Kurawa reminded that when former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje deposed Emir Sanusi, the ex-Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor did not resist or challenge his removal in court, as he considered it futile.
However, Bayero, he argued, is resisting his removal due to the security cover extended to him by the federal government.