How the Emirship Tussle Quietly Erodes Kano’s Iconic Sallah Durbar

Video Source: UNESCO

Kano, a city long revered for its role in trade, tradition, and Islamic scholarship, is today experiencing a deep and quiet cultural wound. Once known for its majestic Sallah Durbar, a breathtaking display of regal horsemanship and communal pride, Kano has missed consecutive years of this historical festival. The reason? An ongoing emirship tussle that has cast a long shadow over the city’s peace and pride.

Sallah Durbar: More Than a Festival

The Sallah Durbar is far more than a colorful pageant. It is a ceremonial affirmation of loyalty to the Emir, a celebration of Hausa heritage, and a globally acknowledged tradition. Recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, the Durbar draws tourists from within Nigeria and around the world who come to witness the fusion of pageantry, religion, and history that defines Kano.

However, the ongoing emirship conflict, combined with alleged security concerns, has led to repeated cancellations. Authorities cite the need to maintain peace, yet the absence of the Durbar is eroding Kano’s cultural soul and significantly affecting its economy and community morale.

The Economic Ripples of Cultural Silence

The absence of the Sallah Durbar has triggered a massive economic downturn for local businesses. Hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb hosts usually experience a surge in bookings during the Durbar period. With the cancellations, these businesses face losses running into millions of naira. Local food vendors, tailors, transport operators, artisans, and informal traders all feel the sting of lost patronage.

Moreover, Kano’s internally generated revenue suffers a direct hit. Tourists typically spend heavily on transportation, traditional attire, food, souvenirs, and more. With fewer visitors coming to the city, the financial arteries that support the local economy are drying up. Small businesses are folding, and jobs are being lost – all due to the cultural standstill.

Psychological Impact: A Community’s Spirit in Limbo

Beyond economics, there is an emotional and psychological cost. The Sallah Durbar has always been a unifying force – a time when the city gathers in celebration, across religious and ethnic lines. Its repeated absence has left residents disheartened. Generations that grew up with the Durbar as a rite of passage now feel robbed of their identity and joy. The mental toll is high, with people feeling increasingly isolated and anxious amid a tense sociopolitical atmosphere.

Cultural Disconnection: A Lost Heritage

The Sallah Durbar is also a vital conduit for cultural education. Young people traditionally learned about leadership, respect, history, and honor through these ceremonies. Now, a gap is widening between generations. Many youths have never experienced the Durbar in full glory. With each year of silence, traditional skills in horsemanship, regalia making, and ceremonial etiquette fade further into obscurity.

The Durbar is inseparably linked to the Emirate institution. When this event is paused, the visibility and influence of this age-old leadership system weakens. In a time when cultural preservation is more crucial than ever, Kano risks losing a living heritage that has defined its identity for centuries.

The Way Forward: From Ban to Blueprint

No doubt, security must come first. However, an indefinite ban on the Sallah Durbar is a short-sighted measure that inflicts deeper wounds. The solution lies in dialogue, strategy, and smart security planning – not cultural silence.

• Resolve the Emirship Dispute: The root cause must be addressed through legal and community dialogue, restoring trust and clarity in traditional leadership.
• Strategic Security Measures: Invest in crowd management, surveillance, community engagement, and trained security personnel to ensure peaceful celebrations.
• Phased Resumption: If a full-scale Durbar remains risky, start with limited processions or cultural displays to restore confidence and gradually scale up.
• Public Communication: Government should keep citizens informed with honest updates and a clear roadmap for restoring the Durbar tradition.

Conclusion: Let the Drums Beat Again

The Sallah Durbar is not just a festival. It is the heartbeat of Kano. Its continued suspension risks not only cultural extinction but also economic stagnation and social disintegration. It’s time for action – to protect this heritage, to empower the people, and to restore the pride of a city that has for centuries stood as a beacon of tradition and unity.

The time to act is now. Let the Durbar return – safely, soundly, and splendidly.