Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf was absent on Sunday when the Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, arrived at the Government House to pay the customary Sallah homage.
The Hawan Nasarawa, a traditional durbar procession, typically takes place on the third day of the Sallah celebrations, when the Governor hosts the Emir for a formal greeting, after which the monarch traverses designated routes through the metropolis to receive well-wishes from the public.
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However, this year’s proceedings saw changes. Instead of the governor, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Jibril Falgore, received the Emir in a ceremony held in a different hall rather than at the traditional venue, the ‘Africa House’.
At the event, the state government explained to the emir and his entourage that Governor Yusuf had flown to Lagos to attend a meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors with President Bola Tinubu.
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Initial restriction
On Wednesday, the state government restricted the use of horses and cancelled several durbar processions, citing security concerns.
The government’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Waiya, announced that the government had banned the use of horses in the ceremony to prevent a breakdown of law and order during the celebrations.
Mr Waiya said the governor’s decision was based on intelligence reports indicating attempts by some individuals to create unrest during the Sallah period.
Mr Waiya announced that the first day of Sallah celebration (Eid Durbar) would be conducted by Mr Sanusi from the Kofar Mata Eid Praying Ground through designated routes to Gidan Shettima, terminating at Kofar Fatalwa of the Kano Emir’s Palace
He said Hawan Nasarawa would take place in a modified form, but not on horseback. At the same time, he said Hawan Daushe would be suspended until future Sallah celebrations.
READ ALSO: Kano govt restricts Sallah durbar procession for Emir Sanusi
Also, Mr Waiya said the state government had suspended the Hawan Fanisau and Hawan Dorayi for the time being, in the best interests of public peace and safety.
The Hawan Nasarawa is regarded as the climax of the Sallah durbar processions, symbolising a mutual respect between the state government and the traditional institution.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been reedited to correct a reporting error arising from claims by some Government insiders that the governor deliberately stayed away from the event to spite the Emir. We apologise for the error.
