An Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahya Maimota, has called on both Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and the 16th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, to exercise restraint as they insist on holding the traditional durbar festivities during the forthcoming Sallah.

The cleric gave the advice while delivering a Ramadan Tafseer (preaching) at the Sabo Dankoli Juma’at mosque, Sharada, in Kano Metropolis on Tuesday.

The warning follows growing concern and a threat to peace, as the two emirs insisted on holding the traditional durbar festivities during the Sallah period.

Sheikh Maimota reminded both leaders and the citizens of the importance of peace, as propagated by Prophet Muhammad in his teachings.

“Do not wish for war or meeting enemies; always seek peace and tranquility in society,” he said, stressing that no community can prosper in chaotic situations.

“Any clash can jeopardise the fragile peace Kano State is currently enjoying,” he noted.

The cleric noted that waking up healthy, living peacefully, and having sustenance are among the greatest blessings from the Almighty Allah.

He urged leaders at all levels to prioritize protecting lives and property, saying that development thrives only where there is peace or peace prevails.

According to him, “Kano’s reputation as a business hub cannot be sustained without stability, noting that education, commerce, and social life all depend on peace.

While acknowledging the cultural significance of the Sallah durbar, Sheikh Maimota cautioned that if it poses a threat to public safety, it should be suspended until the court delivers judgment.

“Currently, the dispute over the throne is pending at the court of law, and the case is yet to be decided,” Sheikh Maimota said.

He said, “Historically, Emirs themselves used to prohibit durbar when there was a risk of clashes. It is therefore troubling that the current threat emanates from the two leaders.”

He, therefore, urged the Kano State Government and security agencies to act proactively, to prevent possible breakdown of law and order, warning that even with heavy deployment of security personnel, the division among the emirate could spark violence.

The cleric reminded the two monarchs that every leader will be accountable for his actions on the Day of Resurrection.

While praying for lasting peace in Kano, the cleric appealed to political officeholders not to politicize the matter but to prioritize public safety above all else.

Recall that Bayero, had already notified the police of his plans to hold the durbar from his mini Palace at Nassarawa.

Even though the 16th emir, Muhammadu Sañusi II, has yet to announce his plans on the durbar, supporters in his camp have also insisted on holding a parallel durbar to counter the 15th emir.

The Kano State Government has yet to make an official statement regarding the issue, which has continued to create tension among residents.

Efforts to get a reaction from the State Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, proved abortive as he did not respond to several phone calls from our reporter.