Kano is bracing for potential trouble as the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, prepares to stage traditional Sallah processions during Eid-el-Kabir festivities. The move has rekindled fears about public safety amid an ongoing dispute over who rightfully holds the emirship.
Palace officials announced the plans on Wednesday. Aminu Babba Dan Agundi, a senior councillor, said security agencies had given the go-ahead for the ceremonies.
The timing couldn't be more sensitive. Nigeria's Supreme Court is expected to rule on the emirship crisis in April 2027, settling a legal battle that has divided Kano for years.
At the heart of the dispute is a controversial government action. Former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje created additional emirates in 2019, appointing Bayero as one of the new emirs.
When Abba Kabir Yusuf took office, he repealed that law. He then reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.
Bayero challenged the reinstatement in court. Lower courts issued mixed rulings, but the Supreme Court's decision will likely settle everything.
Security analysts have warned repeatedly against actions that could deepen divisions. Community leaders share those concerns, fearing fresh tensions during the holiday period.
According to Dan Agundi, Bayero will conduct Hawan Daushe on Thursday. Friday will see the Hawan Nassarawa procession.
Thursday's route begins at Nassarawa Emir's Palace. It winds through the ancient city before returning, deliberately bypassing the main Kano palace where Sanusi currently resides.
"We contacted police. They didn't forbid us from proceeding," Dan Agundi told reporters.
"So we'll go ahead peacefully starting from Nassarawa Palace to Kofar Nassarawa and back."
Friday's procession takes a different path. It covers major thoroughfares including Fagge and Mandawari, where the emir will make brief stops.
Palace officials say they chose these routes carefully. They wanted to manage crowds and prevent traffic congestion throughout the celebrations.
Dan Agundi pledged the palace's commitment to peace. He vowed to work with security agencies to maintain order during the festivities.
"We've warned our supporters to stay calm and law-abiding," he stated. "This durbar will happen responsibly without any disturbance whatsoever."
The announcement has sparked debate across Kano anyway. Many residents remain jittery about security given recent emirship tensions.
Bayero's supporters have shown up in large numbers at past events. Sanusi's backers are equally vocal and energetic at their own gatherings.
Previous celebrations have occasionally witnessed minor skirmishes. Nobody wants a repeat of those incidents during the holiday period.
Security personnel will be deployed extensively throughout Thursday and Friday. Checkpoints are expected at strategic locations around the procession routes.
Local government authorities are on high alert. They've coordinated with police and other agencies to prevent any incidents.
Both emirate camps have pledged to maintain the peace. Yet observers remain cautious about whether tensions might flare unexpectedly.
The Supreme Court judgment next year could resolve everything. Until then, Kano residents will watch nervously as events unfold.
