A group of Kano-based human rights lawyers has alleged that Federal Government political plot against Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II necessitated the cancellation of Sallah durbar festivities across Kano emirates.
In a strongly worded petition submitted to Kano State Commissioner of Police, the National Forum of Kano Indigene Lawyers also alleged that security alert raised as justification for imposing the ban lacked merit and may be a veiled move to curtail the influence of the reinstated Emir of Kano.
The police prohibited the UNESCO certified Kano cultural status as intangible heritage of humanity, after sensing security breach even when the 15th emir Aminu Ado Bayern cancelled his planned paralleled Durbar.
Addressing journalists shortly after submitting their letter to the police commissioner, leader of the lawyers, Barrister Usman Imam Tudun Wazirchi insisted the ban was unnecessary.
Tudun Wazirchi said the so-called security threat has no substantial basis, claiming that “If Durbars were allowed to hold in high-risk states like Borno, Katsina, and Zamfara, why not Kano?
“Even during Boko Haram’s peak, such total bans were not implemented,” the lawyers emphasized.
The lawyers accused “unpatriotic citizens” and political actors of instigating fears in the minds of peaceful residents simply to prevent the cultural pageantry associated with Emir Sanusi’s return to palace. They argued that the ban not only infringes on cultural rights but also represents a broader attack on constitutional freedoms.
Referring to the recent Court of Appeal judgment that upheld Sanusi’s position, the letter warned against using law enforcement to carry out political persecution.
The lawyers also addressed their concerns to international bodies, including the UN, EU, and African Union, signaling a desire to draw global attention to what they called “an orchestrated attack on Kano’s heritage and legitimate royal leadership.”
