As Kano Durbar Returns in Grand Revival of Royal Heritage

The Kano Durbar has started gaining attraction again with the lifting of embargo by the State government, writes Charles Ajunwa

The colourful Kano Durbar, which attracted local and foreign tourists to the ancient city in northern Nigeria especially during the Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha celebrations, is making a comeback after being suspended for years by State government over security concerns and leadership tussle within the Kano Emirate. 

Last year, the Nigeria Police stopped the Durbar ceremony as both the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II and the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, laid claims to it.

A few hours to the commencement of the 2026 Eid al-fitr, the Kano State Government confirmed that the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, will lead this year’s Eid-el-Fitr (Sallah) prayers.

The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, in a statement said the government was committed to preserving Kano’s rich cultural heritage while ensuring residents’ safety and protecting property.

“The safety of residents and the smooth conduct of our cultural celebrations are our top priorities,” Waiya said.

According to Waiya, the programme include Hawan Sallah, Hawan Daushe, Hawan Nasarawa, and Hawan Panisau, were modified to ensure safety. He announced that Hawan Nasarawa would be held in a modified form without horses, while Hawan Daushe, Fanisau, and Dorayi were suspended in the interest of public safety.

For a smooth Durbar, the state government also announced that the Hawan Idi Durbar would proceed under Sanusi II along designated routes from Kofar Mata to Gidan Shettima of the Emir’s Palace.

“All security agencies have been directed to intensify surveillance and ensure strict compliance with these directives to prevent any breach of peace before, during, and after the celebrations,” the commissioner said. 

After Eid prayers as part of courtesy, Emir Sanusi II paid a Sallah visit to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, at the Government House as part of the celebrations marking the end of Ramadan fasting.

The Emir arrived in a convoy of vehicles instead of the usual horse procession due to security restrictions and the emirate tussle.

Emir Sanusi II dressed in Royal regalia later rode on a horse, acknowledging greetings from enthusiastic crowd who trooped out in their thousands to participate in the Durbar. As excitement filled the atmosphere, men dressed in red attire with stripe of green on their shoulders, fired rounds of traditional  dane guns into the air, as the crowd cheered the Emir more.  

On arrival at his palace, Emir Sanusi II commended the state government’s efforts on prioritising education and execution of other people-oriented programmes and projects in the state. He also defended his decision to go back to school. 

He also called for peace during the festive celebration and enjoined citizens to avoid any actions that would bring disunity to the state.

“I call on all of us to continue to pray for the peace, unity, and progress of our dear state and the nation at large.” He  received the governor’s representative and Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Ismail Falgore.

Governor Yusuf called for peace and tolerance. “As we celebrate, I call on all citizens to avoid any action or behaviour that could threaten the peace and stability of our dear states. Let us continue to uphold the values of tolerance, mutual respect, and harmonised co-existence regardless of our differences.”

The Kano Durbar recognised by UNESCO in 2024, originated from 14th century with military parades, serves as a display of loyalty to the Emir and a celebration of cultural heritage featuring elaborate horsemen processions. 

The event features days of actions starting with prayers followed by a grand procession of the Emir, noblemen and musicians showcasing immense colourful traditional culture and horsemanship, such as the Jahi race. 

Apart from fostering unity among the people, attracting local and foreign  tourists, promoting cultural tourism, boosting local economy through horse breeding and traditional garment manufacturing, the Kano Durbar remains a powerful display of Hausa-Fulani political structure, where district heads and noblemen from different parts of the Emirate come to pay homage to the Emir.