Kano govt cancels durbar over Bayero’s ill-health

KANO – Following the diminishing health status of Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, Kano State Government has suspended the age-long traditional durbar (horse race) as part of activities marking this year’s  Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

Commissioner for Information, Dr. Faruk Jibril, said the decision was to save the ailing monarch the rigour associated with the  yearly ritual.

The government took Bayero, the 13th Fulani emir of Kano, to India in an air ambulance last week, after a similar trip to London penultimate week.


 Jibril, who read a prepared speech, entitled, ‘’Special announcement from Kano State Government,’’ stressed that “due to deteriorating health status of the emir, we wish to announce the suspension of this year’s annual durbar otherwise known as Hawan Nasarawa, Hawan Daushe and Hawan Daurayi.’’
The commissioner, therefore, implored the residents to identify with the revered emir in their prayers as well as pray for other sick persons for speedy recovery.

Bayero, who had earlier in the day graced the eid-el-fitr prayers at Kofar Mata Central Praying Ground on a horse, demonstrated serious signs of stress as he was assisted by Governor  Musa Kwankwaso to rise from Sujud (prostrate) position during the two rakat prayers.

The emir who ascended the throne of his forefathers about 48 years ago, in 1963, managed to appear at the Gidan Shettima where he tasked Muslims to embrace peace, adding that ‘’it is such an essential commodity that played a role in all we do.’’

He also enjoined the people to shun rumour-mongering and cooperate with security agents in their bid to provide peaceful atmosphere  to carry out their legitimate duities.