Amidst emirate crisis, Kano residents express mixed reactions over ban on durbar
The recent ban on the historic Durbar festival by the Kano State Police Command has sparked a wave of mixed reactions among the residents of the state.
The prohibition, which comes in the wake of the ongoing emirate crisis involving Emir Sanusi Lamido and Emir Ado Bayero, aims to maintain peace and stability in the state.
The Durbar festival, a cultural highlight featuring a parade of horsemen and cultural dances, is a significant event during the Eid celebrations.
However, the police have deemed it necessary to suspend the festivities this year due to security concerns.
Residents of Kano are expressing varying opinions on the matter.
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Some support the ban, citing the importance of prioritizing safety and preventing potential clashes between supporters of the rival emirs.
Mus’ab Auwal, a resident of Sharada quarters in Kano, expressed total support for the police’s decision to ban the Sallah Durbar.
“While I deeply respect our traditions and the cultural significance of the Durbar, the safety and security of our community must come first.”
“The Durbar festival is a time of joy and celebration, but given the current emirate crisis, there is a palpable tension in the air that cannot be ignored.”
While Sule Sani of Gama quarters believes that the potential for conflict is high, and it would be irresponsible to proceed with large public gatherings that could become flashpoints for violence.
“The police are tasked with the difficult job of maintaining order and protecting citizens.
Their decision to ban the Durbar activities is not an attack on our heritage but a precautionary measure to prevent any loss of life or property. It is a temporary sacrifice for the long-term peace and unity of Kano.”
However, many residents argue that the ban is an unnecessary measure that infringes upon their right to celebrate their heritage.
They believe that the Durbar festival, which features a procession of horsemen and cultural dances, is a peaceful event that has never been the cause of unrest.
Hafsa Nasir Dahir a resident of Zage, in Kano Municipal said “The Durbar festival is the soul of our Eid celebrations. Banning it feels like we’re losing a part of ourselves. I think they should increase the number of security personnel during the Sallah, instead of cancelling the entire event.”
Ibrahim Mu’azzam of Makwarari in Kano Metropolis argued that the festival is not merely an event, it is the embodiment of history and values.
“To cancel it is to erase a part of our identity. We must resist this ban and find ways to safely continue our traditions.”
Anas Ibrahim of Darmanawa in Tarauni local government said “I am deeply troubled by the ban on the Durbar festival. As a young person, I see the Durbar festival as a bridge between the past and the future. Banning it feels like we are being disconnected from our roots. There must be a middle ground where we can celebrate our heritage without compromising on safety.”
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Meanwhile, many followers of SolaceBase Hausa page on Facebook remain indifferent, as their comment on posts regarding what they will do in the absence of Durbar shows that they are not much concerned about the Durbar, but rather facing their daily challenges.
While the safety concerns are acknowledged, many Kano residents believe that the ban on the Durbar festival is an extreme response that could have been avoided with better planning and communication. They call for a reconsideration of the decision, hoping that a compromise can be reached to allow the Durbar to continue in a safe and secure manner.
The emirate crisis has been a contentious issue since the state government repealed the Kano Emirate Council Law, leading to the dethronement of the five emirs installed in 2020 by former governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
The reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi as the Emir of Kano has added to the tension, with the Federal High Court ruling against the state government’s actions.
As the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations approach, the streets of Kano remain tense. While the police assured that normal Eid prayers at designated praying grounds will continue as usual, the absence of the Durbar festival will be felt deeply among the people who cherish this tradition.
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