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Game of Thrones: Emirship Conflict Disrupts Kano's Harmony |
It is remembered that Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II had outmaneuvered Aminu Ado Bayero to take over from the latter’s father, Emir Ado Bayero, in 2014.
The reappointment of Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano last Thursday, followed by the removal of Emir Ado Bayero, has led to a series of dramatic events, causing widespread concern and tension across the state.
This situation, reminiscent of the narrative in the Hollywood series Game of Thrones, is fraught with political schemes and implications, dividing the previously tranquil state and bringing it to the brink of chaos.
DAILY POST has reported that the Bayero and Sanusi royal families are now locked in a struggle for dominance over the esteemed Emirate seat in the historic city of Kano.
It is remembered that Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II had outmaneuvered Aminu Ado Bayero to take over from the latter’s father, Emir Ado Bayero, in 2014.
However, after six years, Sanusi was ousted in favor of his predecessor’s son, Aminu Ado Bayero, following disagreements with the state administration under the then-governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
Yet, four years on, with Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) as governor, Sanusi reclaimed the throne this Thursday.
DAILY POST has also reported that the Kano State House of Assembly, on Thursday, enacted the Kano Emirates Council Law (Repeal Bill) 2024, which led to the dethronement of all five first-class Emirs in the state.
The legislative body dissolved the five Emirates established by the former governor Ganduje, namely Bichi, Rano, Gaya, Karaye, and the Kano Emirate itself.
Under the new legislation, all positions created by the amended law have been abolished, thus reinstating the Single Emirate System within the state.
The Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has stated that the restoration of the ousted Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, fulfills a pledge he made during his campaign.
The governor's spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, conveyed, “Governor Yusuf has expressed that Muhammad Sanusi II's return to the throne will foster peace and prosperity, noting that the annulment of the council law honors his electoral promises to revive the state's former splendor and its rich cultural legacy.
“He assures everyone to continue their usual activities within the state, asserting that the actions taken are believed to serve the state and its citizens' best interests.”
Furthermore, the governor has given Aminu Ado Bayero and the other four ex-first class chiefs 48 hours to leave their palaces and surrender all emirate assets to the deputy governor's office.
Controversial Judicial Injunction
In a surprising turn just hours before Sanusi's restoration, a Federal High Court in Kano issued an interim injunction preventing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from reinstating Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II until a definitive ruling is made on a lawsuit challenging the reinstatement.
The injunction also paused the dissolution of the four emirates: Bichi, Gaya, Karaye, and Rano.
The court ordered all involved parties to preserve the status quo until the resolution of the lawsuit brought by Sarkin Dawaki Babba and Aminu Babba-Dan’Agundi on Thursday.
Security Forces Commit to Upholding Controversial Judicial Order
In light of the contentious judicial order, the combined security forces, led by Kano's Police Commissioner Muhammad Usaini Gumel, have pledged to respect the Federal High Court's directive to halt the state government's efforts to reinstate Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Police Commissioner Muhammad Usaini Gumel, along with senior military, DSS, and other security officials, cautioned against any attempts to disrupt the state's peace and unity due to the ongoing situation within the Emirate Council.
“Our collective security is determined to maintain tranquility in Kano, respecting the court's decision regarding the Emirate Council's affairs. We are committed to ensuring the state's peace,” he stated.
He emphasized that they would not be swayed by any individual to undertake any task.
Regarding the Emirate's current state, we acknowledge the Emir recognized by the Court, and we adhere to the Court's directive to maintain the status quo, which is our current position and stance,” he further declared.
The Police Commissioner also made it clear that, “the law is explicit: anyone attempting to cause trouble will be apprehended immediately.
“Troublemakers are advised to refrain from inciting unrest in the State, as the safety of its citizens is paramount.”
Bayero's Return to Kano
Despite the heightened tension, it has been reported that Bayero was brought back to Kano and is currently at the Nasarawa Emir’s Rest House next to the Ministry of Works.
He reportedly arrived in the city early Saturday morning.
The plane carrying the former Emir landed at the Aminu Kano International Airport around 4:30 am.
Yusuf Commands Bayero's Detention
As anxiety spread throughout Kano due to the alleged forceful reinstatement of the deposed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, Governor Yusuf ordered his immediate arrest on Saturday.
The Governor, his Deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam, and other high-ranking officials have also assumed control of the Emir's Palace to thwart the deposed Emir's forceful return.
In a statement by the governor's spokesperson, Sunusi Bature, it was declared that as the State's Chief Security Officer, the governor has mandated the arrest of the former Emir for defying the laws and his orders.
Ganduje Accused of Manipulating Ribadu to Support Deposed Kano Emir – Deputy Governor
Amidst the confusion, Kano's Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo, has accused the state's immediate past governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, of attempting to force the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, upon the state.
Gwarzo voiced this accusation on Saturday while addressing the media at the Emir's palace.
He alleged that Ganduje was exploiting the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu's office, to fulfill his agenda.
“It's regrettable that the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, is utilizing the National Security Adviser to instigate unrest in the state by covertly bringing back the former emir, Aminu Ado Bayero.
The authority to appoint or remove an Emir or any traditional titleholder rests solely with the state government.
“I, along with the governor and other senior government officials, are here to ensure that the newly appointed emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II, begins to exercise his powers and authority immediately after receiving his appointment letter yesterday,” he stated.
Ribadu Refutes Allegation
However, responding promptly, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Saturday, repudiated the allegations of providing air transportation for the ousted Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado-Bayero, to return to the state.
Through his NSA office spokesperson, Mallam Zakari Mijinyawa, Ribadu asserted that he did not supply the aircraft that brought the dismissed Emir back to Kano.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja, he stated: “I've seen the comments on social media, and they are false.
“The NSA did not facilitate air travel for anyone to Kano.
“Political figures should refrain from spreading misinformation as law enforcement in the state endeavors to preserve peace and order.”
Bayero's Statement
The dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado-Bayero, expressed on Saturday that justice would triumph in the dispute over the emirates in the state.
Bayero called on the appropriate authorities to uphold justice, as no one is exempt from the law, and encouraged the populace to remain orderly and law-abiding.
He delivered these remarks on Saturday at the mini-palace, to which he has returned following his removal from power.
Ado-Bayero stated: “I urge the community to stay compliant with the law while the legal proceedings in this contest are concluded.
"We were urging them to conduct an inquiry to determine if the actions taken were out of good intentions or not. The situation seems to be motivated by revenge or dishonesty. It essentially boils down to whether Ganduje acted appropriately or not. It’s not a matter of opposition towards him.
“I plan to visit Kano very soon to discuss the current events with some assembly members, particularly the speaker, and the Governor.”
Allah is the Supreme Strategist – El Rufai
Meanwhile, the former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has commented on the reappointment of his close friend, Muhammadu Sanusi II, as the Emir of Kano by the state government.
El-Rufai shared a veiled message on his Facebook page on Friday evening, seemingly alluding to the events in the Kano Emirate.
In a post labeled ‘Friday Reminder’, featuring a verse from the Holy Qur’an, El-Rufai stated: “While they make plans, Allah also plans. And Allah is the best at planning.” – Holy Quran – Surah Al-Anfal (8:30)."
Urging Caution in Kano – Council of Ullamas
The Council of Ulamas in Kano has warned President Ahmad Bola Tinubu against the misuse of federal authority.
