The 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero, has formally notified security agencies of plans to hold the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir Durbar festivities from the Nasarawa Palace, signalling his intention to proceed with the annual celebration despite the ongoing legal dispute over his throne.
In separate letters addressed to the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, and the State Director of the Department of State Services dated May 17, 2026 and signed by the Emir’s private secretary, Abdullahi Kwaru — the emirate confirmed that preparations were underway for the Sallah celebrations scheduled to begin on May 27, 2026.
The decision to hold the Durbar, the letters stated, was reached following deliberations among members of the Kano Emirate Council. “The outcome of the meetings of Kano Emirate Council members indicated the observance of Durbar festivities as provided in the attached programme,” one of the letters read.
The emirate described the Durbar as a cherished annual cultural tradition in which the Emir rides through the city on horseback, accompanied by district heads and council members, to greet residents and receive homage from his subjects.
The emirate assured the security agencies that the three-day event would be conducted peacefully and appealed for their cooperation and support. The announcement comes at a charged moment
Bayero’s claim to the throne remains the subject of active litigation after the Kano State Government dethroned him and reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir, a move that has kept public attention firmly on the emirate’s activities, particularly around major traditional celebrations such as this.
