by S’ola Filani

The new Emir of Kano, Sansui Lamido Sanusi on Friday began a three-day solitary ritual in fulfillment of tradition. The process would see the emir locked up in the room known as Dakin Duhu (dark room) without access to anyone.

Speaking with the Vanguard,  a source said: “It is a tradition that has survived thousands of years, and it predates the conquest of Fulani Jihadist in 1804. It is incumbent on the new emir to pass through the process to fortify him spiritually for the challenges ahead.

“Successful past emirs passed through the compulsory ritual,” the source stressed.

Sanusi will be holed up in a room which has remain shut for the last 52 years when the immediate past emir, Ado Bayero took over from Sanusi’s grandfather, Muhammadu Sanusi.

The source further 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. He 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.”