The historic city of Kano remains deeply divided as the battle for the emirate between the dethroned 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, and the reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II intensifies. The turmoil has escalated to the point where the state government is considering imposing a curfew to prevent further violence.
On the streets of Kano, tensions flared as supporters of Bayero staged a significant protest following a prayer session at the Nasarawa palace, where Bayero currently resides. Led by cleric Umar Mai Salati, Bayero’s loyalists prayed for divine intervention against the recent dissolution of the five first-class emirs, a move that saw Bayero and others dethroned. The demonstration soon turned into a confrontation, with protesters setting bonfires on major roads leading to the Government House and carrying placards denouncing the repeal of the Kano State Emirate Council Law.
Amid the unrest, security has been heightened around Bayero’s residence. Reinforcements, including military personnel, DSS agents, and police officers, have been deployed to maintain order. Local hunters and state-owned vigilante groups have also been providing additional security to ensure the safety of Emir Sanusi and his supporters.
While Bayero’s supporters took to the streets, Emir Sanusi received dignitaries and district heads at the Gidan Rumfa palace. The atmosphere at the palace was celebratory as Sanusi, adorned in royal regalia, rode a royal horse and greeted his supporters, who responded with chants of loyalty.
Sanusi also held meetings with top government officials, including Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam, commissioners, legislators from the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), and local government administrators. This show of support further solidified his position amidst the ongoing dispute.
Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, the former Emir of Gaya, expressed acceptance of his dethronement, viewing it as an act of God. Abdulkadir, along with other first-class kings, was affected by the law repealing the Kano Emirate’s division. His acceptance contrasts sharply with the ongoing protests and resistance from Bayero’s camp.
The Northern Traditional Ruling Council, chaired by the Sultan of Sokoto, issued a statement calling for restraint and peace. The council emphasized the importance of maintaining stability, especially as the matter is now before the courts. Justice Lawal Hassan Gummi, Emir of Gummi and Chairman of the Coordinating Committee of Northern Traditional Rulers, underscored the need for a peaceful resolution, urging all parties to respect the legal process.
The Arewa Social Contract Initiatives, a socio-cultural group, has urged Bayero to leave Kano for the sake of peace, mirroring the actions of Sanusi when he was previously dethroned. Sani Muhamud Darma, the group’s leader, emphasized that Bayero’s continued presence could incite unnecessary civil unrest. Darma also noted that Bayero’s return to Kano shortly after his removal violated the traditional practices of the Emirate Council.
The Senior Special Assistant to the APC National Chairman on Public Enlightenment, Oliver Okpala, criticized Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for allegedly trying to dismantle the legacies of his predecessor, former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Okpala defended Ganduje’s contributions and warned against political vendettas that could harm the state’s stability.
Several voices have called for President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the escalating conflict. Dan Jarma of Adamawa State, Dr. Mustafa Tahir, highlighted the urgency for presidential involvement to prevent further escalation. He supported the Kano Emirate Council 2024 law, stressing that state assemblies have the constitutional authority to make such laws and questioning the courts’ intervention.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) condemned the deployment of military forces to Kano, labeling it unconstitutional and unprofessional. HURIWA argued that the military’s involvement in enforcing court orders is inappropriate, as these responsibilities lie with the police. The group called on politicians and President Tinubu to avoid exacerbating the situation by misusing military power.
The ongoing emirate tussle in Kano remains a critical issue, with potential implications for the region’s peace and stability. As the state government considers a curfew to curb violence, the situation continues to draw national attention, with calls for restraint and legal adherence from various quarters. The coming days will be crucial in determining the future of Kano’s traditional rulership and overall stability.
