KANO, Nigeria—The dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, has called on Kano residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding despite ongoing tensions surrounding the state’s traditional leadership.
Addressing cheerful supporters at the Nassarawa House, a private residence of the Kano Emirate Palace, Ado Bayero emphasised that no one is above the law and expressed hope that justice would prevail regarding his dethronement.
Speaking shortly after receiving a visit from the state commissioner of police, Alhaji Ado Bayero urged the people of Kano to remain calm and respectful of the legal process.
“I call on the people to remain law-abiding while awaiting the outcome of the legal process on this tussle,” he said.
He also vowed to accept whatever the law states, stressing the importance of maintaining peace in Kano, a significant state in Nigeria.
The dethronement of Emir Ado Bayero and the reinstatement of Lamido Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano has stirred considerable controversy.
Governor Abba Yusuf reinstated Alhaji Sanusi on Friday, May 24, 2024, following the Kano State House of Assembly’s abolition of the five former emirates created during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. The House reinstated the old Kano emirate with only one emir.
However, a Federal High Court issued a last-minute order stopping the state government from abolishing the five emirates and reverting to the old system.
The court ruling responded to an application from Aminu Dan-Agundu, a Kano emirate official who opposed the move.
Despite this, Governor Yusuf declared he would not recognise the ruling, citing reports that the High Court judge issued the order from the United States.
“Imagine a judge in America ordering us to halt the coronation of the Emir of Kano, Sanusi. Our laws are in place, and they will not change,” Governor Yusuf said during Mr. Sanusi’s reinstatement ceremony.
Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, soldiers, and Civil Defence officials, have insisted on enforcing the court order halting Mr. Bayero’s dethronement.
On Saturday, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, led a delegation of security forces to meet Bayero at the mini-palace in the Nassarawa area.
Before visiting Alhaji Bayero, Commissioner Gumel addressed journalists, urging the Kano State Government to comply with the court order.
The commissioner’s visit underscored the heightened tension over the emirate’s leadership and the ongoing legal and political battle.
Sanusi, who was originally ousted in 2020 for alleged insubordination to state authorities, has strong support from those who believe his removal was politically motivated due to his opposition to then Governor Ganduje’s re-election as governor in 2019.
As the situation develops, the residents of Kano and the broader Nigerian community await the resolution of this complex and deeply impactful issue.
