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| Kano Emirate Dispute: Sanusi and Bayero Operate from Distinct Palaces |
The struggle for the Kano emirate's leadership is intensifying as Aminu Ado Bayero and Lamido Sanusi both lay claim to the emirship, each operating from separate palaces.
Mr Sanusi, reinstated by the state authorities, is conducting affairs at the primary palace of the Kano emir, while Mr Ado Bayero, who was removed by the government, is based at the smaller palace in Nassarawa GRA, both located in Kano city.
In a surprising turn, Mr Ado Bayero returned to Kano on Saturday morning, just one day following the formal reinstatement of Mr Sanusi.
Mr Sanusi has been accepting salutations and tributes from district leaders at the palace.
He made a ceremonial entrance on horseback to the chamber amid numerous gun salutes by the palace guards. Numerous supporters, predominantly adorned with the red caps symbolic of the state's ruling New Nigeria People Party (NNPP), have been transported from various local government areas to the principal emir’s palace.
This congregation at the palace is reportedly linked to a supposed plan by national authorities to move Mr Ado-Bayero back into the palace.
Security forces and the police have urged the state administration to comply with a judicial order that suspends the dethronement of Mr Ado-Bayero and his peers from the now-dissolved Bichi, Karaye, Rano, and Gaya emirates.
The court has directed all parties involved in the dispute to preserve the current situation until the interim injunction hearing set for June 3.
However, the state government has challenged the order, claiming the judge who issued it was abroad at the time.
No One is Above the Law
At the smaller palace in Narassawa GRA, Mr Ado Bayero has also been receiving homage from several district heads and dignitaries who oppose his removal.
PREMIUM TIMES witnessed numerous relatives of the late Emir Ado Bayero gather in support of their kin as he arrived in Kano on Saturday morning.
Aminu Dan’agundi, a notable titleholder and senior advisor in the Kano emirate, who initiated the legal action, is also present at the smaller palace alongside Mr Ado Bayero.
There, Mr Ado Bayero has called for calm among his followers and the public, insisting on the supremacy of the law.
He expressed his belief in the eventual triumph of justice.
“I urge everyone to abide by the law as we anticipate the court's decision on this legal matter.
We appeal to the authorities for fairness and justice in this case. As Kano serves as a reflection and a significant state in Nigeria, any impact on Kano could have wider repercussions. Let peace prevail in Kano. We pray for Allah to grant Kano responsible and just leadership.
“Justice should be the foundation of every issue. Justice will be served. No one is exempt from the law. We will accept the law's verdict. I am grateful for the concern shown by everyone.
We continue to pray for peace in Kano State. May Allah the Almighty safeguard us,” Mr Ado Bayero stated while addressing his supporters.
Kano Government Accuses Ganduje
Aminu Abdulsalam, the Deputy Governor of Kano State, has attributed the confusion to the former governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, who currently serves as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria's governing party.
The deputy governor accused Mr Ganduje of exploiting the National Security Adviser's office to incite disorder in the state by orchestrating Mr Ado Bayero's return on Saturday.
However, the National Security Adviser's office has refuted the claim and cautioned state politicians to consider their statements carefully.
“It is regrettable that APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, is utilizing the National Security Adviser to instigate unrest in the state by covertly bringing back the ex-emir, Aminu Ado Bayero.
The selection and removal of an emir or any traditional titleholder are exclusively within the state government's jurisdiction,” the deputy governor stated, alleging federal interference.
Nonetheless, Edwin Olofu, spokesperson for Mr Ganduje, asserted that his boss, reportedly at an APC meeting in Nasarawa State, is uninvolved with the situation in Kano.
