Outrage As Nigerian Metropolis Bans Eid Parade Over Royal Tensions

Kano has been on edge because the squabble erupted between the 2 rival emirs, who each declare the best to the standard throne within the metropolis.

The incumbent was sacked by the state meeting and his predecessor was reappointed by the state governor, sparking a authorized battle between the 2 emirs.

The ban caught Kano residents off-guard, simply days earlier than Eid in a metropolis that’s the de facto capital of Nigeria’s predominantly Muslim north.

“That is outrageous, how can we have a good time the Eid with out the Durbar,” resident Anas Ahmad stated.

“With out the Durbar, the Eid can be like tea with out sugar as a result of Durbar is what makes the Eid glamorous and thrilling,” the 32-year-old butcher stated.

Emirs and different conventional rulers don’t have any constitutional energy in Nigeria however they wield big non secular and social affect.

Nigerians already face onerous instances after authorities reforms a 12 months in the past which have seen petrol and meals costs soar and the naira foreign money plummet in opposition to the greenback.

Making ready for Eid, many Kano residents have been already upset that they have been unable to purchase a ram for his or her non secular sacrifice as they wrestle with excessive prices of meals.

“Individuals can’t purchase a ram for the feast as a result of they don’t have any cash and now the Durbar that entertains them has been cancelled, how can we then have a good time the Eid?” stated 48-year-old resident Usman Ahmad.

“That is unhappy and unlucky. I can not think about Eid with out meat and Durbar.”

Police stated in an announcement that every one Durbar actions had been banned, citing safety considerations.

It was solely the second time in a decade that the standard horse carnival has been suspended.

In 2015, the Durbar was cancelled over safety fears after Boko Haram militants attacked the central mosque outdoors the emir’s palace in November 2014, killing round 200 worshippers.

Since final month an uneasy calm has settled on town after Abba Kabir Yusuf, the state governor, returned former emir Muhammadu Sanusi II to the throne 4 years after he was deposed.

His predecessor Aminu Ado Bayero was eliminated alongside 4 different emirs after Kano lawmakers amended the 2019 emirate regulation that established them.

Bayero challenged his elimination in a federal excessive courtroom within the metropolis and insists he stays the emir, whereas Sanusi obtained an order from a state excessive courtroom to counter Bayero.

Whereas Sanusi lives within the emir’s palace the place he holds each day courtroom, Bayero is lodged in a royal visitor home a number of kilometres (miles) away the place he receives his supporters.

Each palaces are closely guarded by army and police personnel.

The Durbar attracts individuals from throughout Nigeria in addition to Western vacationers.

They collect outdoors the palace a day after Eid for a vibrant procession of horses.

Royals and courtiers show equestrian expertise as a part of their homage to the emir, who acknowledges their greetings seated on horseback.

For the three days, the emir excursions town on horseback in an enormous procession, with residents lining the streets.

“It’s most unfair,” stated 43-year-old Hannatu Shamsu, a mom of three who returned to her native Kano from the capital Abuja on Thursday for the Durbar.

“I got here yesterday with anticipation for the Durbar, which my kids have been desperate to attend, however hours after, the ban was introduced. I am actually offended,” she stated.

Whereas expressing his “shock and annoyance”, resident Hashimu Kabir blamed the 2 royals for the “disastrous ban”.

“There cannot be two emirs in Kano,” the 56-year-old textile dealer stated.

“I do not blame the police for the ban since every of the 2 royals is claiming proper to the throne.”

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