Kano, 25 May 2024 – The ongoing turmoil within Kano’s traditional institution reached a critical point on Saturday as the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, ordered the immediate arrest of the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero. This development follows Bayero’s controversial attempt to re-enter the palace after his recent deposition.
In an official statement released by Sanusi Tofa, Director General of Media and Publicity for the Government House, Governor Yusuf accused Bayero of creating unrest within the state. “The former Emir was smuggled into Kano city last night in an attempt to forcefully return to the palace two days after being deposed by the Governor,” the statement read. It further emphasized, “As the Chief Security Officer of the state, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has directed the Commissioner of Police to arrest the deposed Emir with immediate effect for disturbing public peace and attempting to destroy the relative peace the state enjoys.”
This order comes in the wake of significant legislative changes and political maneuvers within Kano. On Thursday, the Kano State House of Assembly repealed the law enacted by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje in 2019, which had split the emirate into five separate councils. Upon the repeal, Governor Yusuf directed that the affected Emirs vacate their palaces within 48 hours, consolidating power back into the central Kano Emirate.
Governor Yusuf’s statement detailed the timeline of recent events, noting that the new Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II, arrived at the palace early Saturday morning accompanied by top government officials. Sanusi, who was deposed in 2020 by Ganduje, had been reinstated as Emir of Kano on Friday. “By the powers conferred on me by the Kano Emirate Council Law of 1984 and 2024, and supported by the recommendation of the kingmakers, I have the singular pleasure of confirming the reappointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and the head of the Kano Emirate Council,” Governor Yusuf announced.
Bayero’s return to Kano was marked by significant public support, as seen in videos circulating on social media showing crowds welcoming him. However, his presence in the city has been met with heavy security deployment to maintain order amidst the heightened tension.
The unfolding situation underscores the deep-rooted political and social complexities within the Kano traditional institution. As Governor Yusuf takes firm action to restore stability, the fate of Aminu Ado Bayero remains uncertain amid these unprecedented developments.
