In a dramatic twist early Saturday morning, the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero, occupied the Nassarawa royal residence following an unsuccessful attempt to take over the main emir’s palace at Kofar Kudu.
The federal government had orchestrated a plan to smuggle Bayero into the palace under the cover of night. However, the reinstated Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II, returned to the palace in the early hours, accompanied by Governor Abba Yusuf, Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam, and other high-ranking officials, thwarting the plan.
Arriving at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport around 1:30 am, Bayero was escorted by armed security personnel. Sources indicated that upon discovering Sanusi II’s presence at the main palace, Bayero redirected to the Nassarawa royal residence within the city.
Heavy security, including police and soldiers, has since been deployed to the Nassarawa residence to ensure Bayero’s protection amid the ongoing tension.
The series of events follows the recent signing of the Kano State Emirates Council (Amendment number 2) Law, 2024, by the state governor on Thursday. This new legislation dissolved the five emirate councils of Kano, Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya, centralizing the emirate system in Kano. Governor Yusuf announced the reinstatement of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, who had been deposed in 2020 by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, immediately after signing the bill into law.
This power struggle within one of Nigeria’s most prominent traditional institutions continues to unfold, highlighting the intense political and social dynamics at play in the Kano emirate.
