The Kano State Government has restricted all forms of Durbar processions and horse-riding activities within the Kano metropolis until further notice, citing security concerns.
The directive followed an emergency meeting of the State Security Council held at the Government House, Kano, where members reviewed the security situation surrounding planned Durbar and horse-riding activities.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to prevent possible confrontations, preserve public order and avert loss of lives or damage to property.
According to the statement, security assessments indicated significant mobilisation of supporters in connection with the planned activities, raising concerns about possible clashes and a potential breakdown of law and order.
The State Security Council therefore directed that the planned Durbar processions and horse-riding activities be suspended in the metropolis.
The government said the decision was in line with its constitutional responsibility to safeguard lives and property and maintain peace and public order in the state.
It added that all relevant security agencies had been directed to enforce the restriction and take appropriate lawful action against anyone who violated the directive or engaged in conduct capable of threatening public peace and security.
The state government urged residents, traditional institutions, political actors, supporters and other stakeholders to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding and to comply fully with the directive.
It assured residents that necessary measures were being taken to protect lives and property and maintain peace and public order across the state.
The New Citizen learnt that the government’s directive followed the release of two separate letters by Emir Aminu Ado Bayero and the government-recognised Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II indicating their plans to embark on traditional horse riding on Sunday, 27 September 2026.
Aminu’s letter, signed by his Private Secretary, was addressed to district heads conveying the deposed emir’s instruction to them to accompany him to the Saukar Karatu ceremony in Unguwar Yakasai. He was scheduled to leave his Gidan Nasarawa residence in the morning to undertake activities including moving around the city and meeting members of the public.
He was expected to arrive at his residence in Mandawari at about 11:30 a.m., where some activities would take place, and then leave at about 4:00 p.m. on horseback, accompanied by his entourage, to attend the Saukar Karatu ceremony at Unguwar Yakasai.
The letter said the former emir would, after the ceremony, again ride with his entourage back to Gidan Nasarawa.
The second letter, which emanated from the Kano Emirate Council Secretariat headed by Emir Sanusi, was written to the Hakimai concerning the Hawan Babban Daki scheduled for the same Sunday, 27 September 2026.
It stated that the recipient was expected to attend the Hawan Babban Ɗaki ceremony, which would be conducted according to an established programme/protocol.
The recipient was expected to be present at the venue on time and participate in the activities as required.
The two letters essentially communicated the two opposing emirs’ official programmes for the traditional activities of 27 September 2026.
The two emirs have been in court for years over the right of each to the exalted traditional stool.
