Sanusi, Bayero, Kwankwaso Holds Three Eid Prayers Amid Deepening Emirate, Political Rift

Kano State witnessed an unusual development on Eid-el-Fitr as three separate prayers were held across the city, reflecting deepening divisions among traditional and political leaders.

Naija News reports that the development marks a significant departure from the long-standing tradition of a unified Eid prayer in the state.

According to Punch, the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, led the Eid prayer at the Kofar Mata Eid Ground at about 8:00 a.m.

The prayer was attended by top government officials, including Governor Abba Yusuf, Secretary to the State Government Umar Faruq, and the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.

A close associate of the Emir, Muhammad Dallatu, said the sermon focused on unity and peaceful coexistence.

Bayero Holds Parallel Prayer At Palace

At the same time, the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, conducted a separate Eid prayer at the Nasarawa Palace.

The prayer was led by Sheikh Kamaluddeen Albasa and emphasised unity, peace, and stability in the state.

According to the Emir’s spokesperson, Abubakar Balarabe Kofar Na’isa, notable attendees included the Director-General of the National Productivity Centre, Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, and former SSG, Usman Alhaji.

Simultaneously, the National Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Kwankwaso, held his own Eid prayer at his residence mosque along Miller Road.

He was joined by Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo, former Commissioner for Science and Technology, Yusuf Kofar Mata, and other loyalists.

A media aide to Kwankwaso, Saifullahi Hassan, said the gathering was conducted in an atmosphere of unity and gratitude.

The separate prayers highlight the lingering emirate crisis in Kano, which began in 2020 with the dethronement of Sanusi II and the installation of Bayero.

The situation was further complicated by the reinstatement of Sanusi II in 2024, resulting in parallel royal authorities in the state.

Political developments have also contributed to the divide, particularly Governor Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Historically, Eid prayers in Kano were held as a unified event at the Kofar Mata Eid Ground, bringing together the Emir, political leaders, and residents.