The new Emir of Kano, yesterday began a three-day solitary
ritual in fulfillment of tradition.
A palace source
confided in Sunday Vanguard that the process would see the emir locked up in
the room known as Dakin Duhu (dark room) without access to anyone.
“it is incumbent on
the new emir to pass through the process to fortify him spiritually for the
challenges ahead”, stressing that “successful past emirs passed through the
compulsory ritual.”
He pointed out that “it is a living tradition in the emirate
and was brought about by Habre rulers before the whole process was Islamized by
the founder of modern Kano kingdom, Ibrahim Dabo, the 2nd Fulani Emir of Kano.”
The source disclosed that “the new emir is expected to go
into solitary confinement for three days
in a room that was last opened to an emir 52 years ago – though his needs would
be provided, and he is expected to engage in glorification of the Almighty
Allah while in the dark room”.
The source further revealed that “the new emir is expected
to come out the third day through a new gate, and head straight to the room of
queen mother located within the southern axis of the century old palace.”
Speaking on the development, however, a prince, who did not
want his name in print, told Sunday Vanguard that “the new emir is too
sophisticated to go through the rigour.
“His highness is too westernized to pass through the rigour
of tradition and besides I don’t think it is compulsory”.
He admitted that “the tradition predates pre-Fulani era in
the emirate, and the whole idea is being promoted and sustained by remnants of
Habre descendants, the first Hausa ruler, left in the palace”
He went on to say that “it is not compulsory for Sanusi because
the most important thing was recognition and he has gotten that already”.
No comments:
Post a Comment