The reinstatement of Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano on Thursday, dethroning Emir Ado Bayero, has led to dramatic twists and tensions in the state.
The development, likened to the plot of “Game of Thrones,” involves political maneuverings and has left the state divided and on edge.
InfoStride News reports that the two royal families, Bayero and Sanusi, are now in a supremacy battle over the coveted emirate stool in Kano.
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II succeeded Ado Bayero’s father in 2014, but was deposed six years later in favor of Aminu Ado Bayero due to a fallout with former governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
Four years later, with Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) as governor, Sanusi returned to the throne on Thursday.
The Kano State House of Assembly passed the Kano Emirates Council Law (Repeal Bill) 2024, dethroning all five first-class Emirs in the state.
The bill dissolved the Emirates created by former governor Ganduje: Bichi, Rano, Gaya, Karaye, and Kano, reviving the Single Emirate System.
Governor Abba Yusuf claimed the reinstatement of Sanusi fulfilled a campaign promise.
“Governor Yusuf further articulated that the return of Muhammad Sanusi II will propel peace and prosperity, adding that the repeal of the council law was in realization of his campaign commitments to restore the state’s lost glory,” said spokesperson Sanusi Bature.
However, a Federal High Court in Kano granted an ex-parte order stopping Governor Yusuf from reinstating Sanusi, pending the determination of a substantive suit. The order also halted the abolishment of the four emirates.
Following the court order, Kano’s joint security agencies, led by Police Commissioner Muhammad Usaini Gumel, vowed to obey the order.
“Our joint security resolved to keep peace in Kano, respecting the court order,” Gumel said, warning against any disruptions.
Amid the tension, Bayero returned to Kano, staying at the Nasarawa Emir’s Rest House. Governor Yusuf ordered his immediate arrest for violating laws and directives.
Kano Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo accused former governor Ganduje of trying to impose Bayero on the state using the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Ribadu denied the claim, stating he did not provide transport for Bayero.
Deposed Emir Bayero called for justice and urged residents to maintain order. Former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso denied influencing Sanusi’s reinstatement, while former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai posted a cryptic message referring to the development.
The Council of Ulamas in Kano cautioned President Bola Tinubu against federal interference, warning it could escalate into chaos.
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar held the Federal Government responsible if violence ensues over the crisis.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong urged the central government to halt the “reign of madness” in Kano, stressing that it has no authority over emirship disputes.
Northern Elders Forum spokesperson Yerima Shettima called for calm and respect for the law, urging all parties to wait for the court’s ruling on June 3.
“Any chaos is totally condemnable,” Shettima stated.
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