In a rare display of division, both Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, who each lay claim to the Kano Emirate throne, led separate Eid-el-Kabir prayers on Friday in Kano.
At approximately 8:15 a.m., Emir Sanusi led thousands of worshippers at the Kofar Mata Eid ground. Kano State Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who is currently on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
Sanusi, who arrived and departed the prayer ground on foot, was surrounded by a large crowd of supporters. After the prayer, he walked through the city streets to Gidan Shettima, drawing jubilant crowds along the route.
The areas around Kofar Mata, Mandawari, and Wambai were vibrant with festivities as residents, dressed in traditional attire, exchanged greetings in celebration.
The absence of the customary Durbar did little to dampen the spirit.
“It’s not the Durbar that defines Sallah for us,” said Saminu Yusuf, a resident of Dala. “What truly matters is unity and faith. Seeing Sanusi walk among the people today was deeply meaningful.”
In a statement released by his Press Secretary, Ibrahim Shuaibu, Deputy Governor Gwarzo called on Muslims to use the occasion for prayer, reflection, and the promotion of peace and tolerance.
He emphasized that Eid-el-Kabir symbolizes sacrifice, obedience, and submission to the will of Allah.
He also prayed for the safe return of pilgrims from Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to transparency and development.
Meanwhile, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero conducted a parallel Eid prayer at 8:00 a.m. at the Nasarawa Mini Palace along State Road in Nasarawa GRA.
His prayer session also drew a large crowd, including prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), such as the party’s state chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, and several former commissioners.
In his Sallah message, Bayero urged the government to prioritize infrastructure and social development projects.
“We call on the government to continue bringing development to the people,” he said in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Abubakar Balarabe.
He also prayed for peace, improved security, and the well-being of citizens, while encouraging clerics to guide the youth through positive teachings and sermons.