By Mustapha Muhammad
As Kano prepares for the Sallah festivities, there’s growing concern and threat to peace, should the current occupant of the throne, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi ll and the immediate past Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero insist on holding the traditional durbar festivities during the period.
Currently, the dispute over the throne is pending at the court of law and the case is yet to be decided.
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However, both Emir Sanusi and Aminu Bayero are likely to hold the durbah festival as an annual cultural feast.
It was in the midst of this challenging circumstance, an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahya Shehu Maimota has called for restraint, advising that any clash could jeopardize the fragile peace the state is currently enjoying.
Speaking during Ramadan Tafseer at Sabo Dankoli Juma’at mosque, Sharada in Kano Metropolis, Sheikh Maimota reminded both leaders and the citizens, of the importance of peace, as propagated by Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) in his teachings. “Do not wish for war or meeting enemies; always seek peace and tranquility in society,” he quoted, stressing that no community can prosper in chaos.
The cleric noted that waking up healthy, living peacefully, and having sustenance is among the greatest blessings from God.
He urged leaders to prioritize the protection of lives and property, saying that development only thrives where peace is secured.
Kano’s reputation as a business hub, he warned, cannot be sustained without stability, noting that education, commerce, and social life all depend on peace.
While acknowledging the cultural significance of the Sallah durbar, Sheikh Maimota cautioned that if it threatens public safety, it should be suspended until the court delivers judgment.
Historically, he recalled, emirs themselves would prohibit durbar when there was risk of clashes.
It is therefore troubling, he said, that the current threat emanates from the two leaders, hence he urged the Kano State Government and security agencies to act proactively, warning that even with heavy deployment of security personnel, the division among the emirate could spark violence.
The cleric reminded that every leader will be accountable for his actions on the Day of Resurrection.
He prayed for lasting peace in Kano and appealed to political office holders not to politicize the matter but to prioritize public safety above all.
