Tales Of Two Of Eid Prayers As Sanusi, Bayero Hold Parallel Events In Kano
- Legal, political tussles heighten crisis
BY OUR CORRESPONDENT – A tale of two parallel Eid-el-Kabir prayers played out in the ancient city of Kano as residents on Friday joined millions of Muslims across the world to mark the annual festival with the traditional slaughtering of sacrificial animals.
Interestingly, this year’s celebration took quite an unconventional shape with both the 15th and 16th Emirs of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, lesding separate Eid congregations at different locations within the city.
Observing his Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the Nassarawa Mini palace was Ado Bayero, deposed and later reinstated through a controversial court order. Here, the prayers were led by the Sarkin Malamai, Malam Kamalu Inuwa, who urged Muslims to emulate the spirit of sacrifice exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.
In his sermon, Malam Inuwa charged the faithful to uphold values of patience, love, and perseverance, and to remain steadfast in their religious and moral obligations.
On his part, Emir Sanusi II, recently reinstated by the Kano State Government, led thousands of worshippers at the Kofar Mata Central Eid Ground.
He was accompanied by top government officials, including the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, as well as commissioners, district heads, and traditional titleholders.
Addressing worshippers after the prayers, Emir Sanusi II urged residents to support security agencies in tackling rising insecurity and youth violence, particularly the menace of thuggery that has plagued parts of the state.
He said, “The fight against violence, especially the recent increase in gang-related activities, requires collective effort. We must not allow violence and disunity to destroy the legacy of peace our forefathers established in Kano.”
The Royal Father also stressed the importance of proper parenting and moral upbringing, which he described as the foundation of a stable and peaceful society.
According to him, “A good upbringing begins at home. Parents must take full responsibility in guiding their children away from criminality and ensuring they become responsible citizens.”
The division in leadership and parallel prayer sessions notwithstanding, the Eid celebration remained peaceful across the city, with security agencies maintaining a strong presence at major prayer grounds to ensure public safety.
Amid ongoing legal and political tussles, insiders said the current situation regarding the royal stool reflects the deepening crisis within the Kano emirate as both Emir Sanusi and Emir Bayero remain adamant in their strong claims to the traditional stool.
