Kano Cancels Sallah Celebrations For Ailing Emir Ado Bayero

KANO, August 16, (THEWILL) - The Kano State Emirate Council has announced the suspension of all Eid El–Fitri celebration activities that characteristically herald the end of Ramadan, following the deterioration of the health of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji (Dr.) Ado Bayero.

While the Council upheld the customary Eid–prayer, it ruled out the popular Hawan Nassarawa, Dushe and Dorayi, and the Durbah, where the Emir of Kano traditionally rides the horse.

Addressing newsmen at the Emir’s palace, Wamban Kano, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, said the decision to suspend the festivities was made in respect for the Emir’s ill-health.

He urged Muslims Ummah to celebrate the Sallah festivities in peace, and use the occasion to visit friends and relatives.

The news conference was attended by all the district council Heads including Dan Majen Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

During the cancelled festivities, which usually attract tourists even from outside the country, the Emir rides a horse through strategic places in the state, accompanied by all the district council heads and other traditional titles holders on their own horses and cheered by hordes of followers who line up along the routes designated for the Emir’s entourage.