### Police Ban Durbar Festival in Kano Amid Emirate Tussle Between Sanusi and Bayero
In light of the ongoing conflict between Emir Sanusi Lamido and the ousted Emir Ado Bayero, the Kano State Police Command has instituted a total ban on Durbar events to ensure peace and stability in the region.
The Durbar Festival, an annual cultural, religious, and equestrian celebration dating back to the 14th century, will not take place this year. This decision was made to prevent potential clashes and maintain public order amid the escalating tensions between the two emirates.
The police have urged the community to work together to create a safer and more secure environment, emphasizing the crucial role of shared responsibility in ensuring peace and stability. In a statement released on Thursday, June 13, the command’s spokesman, Abdullahi Kiyawa, advised worshippers to perform their usual Eid prayers at designated Eid prayer grounds, as has been customary in previous years.
“Adequate security deployments have been arranged to maintain law and order before, during, and after the festive period,” Kiyawa stated. He added that these measures are part of the preparations for the upcoming Eid-El-Kabir celebrations.
The prohibition on Durbar activities is a direct response to a notice from the ousted emir, Ado Bayero, inviting all district heads to attend the forthcoming traditional Sallah Durbar. This invitation raised concerns about potential disruptions to the region’s peace and stability.
The police have congratulated Muslim faithful and law-abiding residents for witnessing another Eid-El-Kabir and assured the public that comprehensive security measures have been put in place to ensure a peaceful celebration. They called on all members of the public to join hands in maintaining peace and stability in Kano State.