Kano rules out Emir Bayero’s first durbar amid COVID-19 lockdown

The Kano State Government has ruled out Sallah Durbar across the five emirates even as it lifts ban on Friday and Eid congregational prayers earlier imposed on the state to curb the spread of coronavirus pandemic.

This year’s eid-il-Fitr Sallah Durbar was supposed to be the first durbar to be performed by the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero since his appointment as the new emir of Kano after the ouster of Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II.

Bayero, who was the first emir of Bichi, one of the new emirates created by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in 2019, became the emir of Kano on March 9, 2020, the day former emir Sanusi was deposed over allegation of insubordination to the authorities.

Speaking on Monday after his meeting with Islamic clerics at the government house, Governor Ganduje said all festivities, including traditional Sallah durbar, have been cancelled across all the five emirates.

He said the Friday prayers, which have been suspended for weeks, would now be observed under the supervision of the Hisbah Board to ensure full compliance to safety protocols against COVID-19 pandemic.

He further reviewed the easing of the lockdown in the state, allowing people free movement between 10am to 6pm on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays.