The ongoing dispute surrounding the Kano Emirate took another turn on Sunday, as supporters of the deposed Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, were accused of forcefully attempting to access the Kofar-Kudu Palace — the official residence of Muhammadu Sanusi II, the reinstated Emir of Kano.
The incident unfolded as Bayero’s convoy was returning from a condolence visit to the family of the late business magnate, Alhaji Aminu Dantata. Instead of following the usual route from Koki to Nassarawa, the convoy passed through the road leading to Gidan Rumfa, where Emir Sanusi resides — a move the Kano Emirate Media Team described as “deliberate and provocative.”
According to a statement signed by Sadam Yakasai of the Kano Emirate Media Team, the incident occurred while Emir Sanusi was not at the palace.
“They broke the gate and attacked the guards, injuring some in the process. They vandalised police vehicles parked outside the palace. Aminu deliberately took the route to the Emir’s palace instead of the proper route from Koki to Nassarawa, and his thugs began to target Gidan Rumfa,” Yakasai stated.
He further alleged that Bayero had used the same route on previous occasions “to intimidate residents.” He also accused Bayero of occupying the Nassarawa mini-palace without state approval and of relying on others to challenge his removal in court.
Yakasai added that “the governor has exercised restraint despite the persistent nuisance constituted by the ousted Emir and his thugs around the Government House.” He also noted that 37 out of 38 District Heads in the Kano Emirate have pledged allegiance to Emir Sanusi.
“The nephew of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje was recently turbaned as Village Head of Ganduje by Emir Sanusi, not Bayero,” he said.
“This is the first time the deposed Emir has confronted his rival at Gidan Rumfa — yet he still remains in the nearby Nassarawa Palace, close to the Government House,” Yakasai added.
An anonymous source told Kano Times that the action appeared premeditated.
“A video now circulating online shows one of Bayero’s council members clearly stating they would pass through the palace road — a known location of Emir Sanusi. It was a calculated provocation,” the source said.
However, Muktar Dahiru, a member of Bayero’s convoy, disputed the account.
“I was among the entourage. After leaving Koki, we headed for the Nassarawa Palace via Kofar-Kudu, but we met hoodlums barricading the road with dangerous weapons. Supporters of Bayero had to clear the path to allow the convoy to pass,” Dahiru explained.
He denied that palace guards were injured and said the police only intervened with tear gas to disperse the crowd and restore order.
The Kano State Police Command said at least four suspects had been arrested in connection with the violent clash that erupted between supporters of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and his rival, the 15th Emir, Aminu Bayero.
The spokesperson for the Kano Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the arrest in a brief statement made available to newsmen.
SP Haruna said the suspects were currently in police custody pending an ongoing investigation into the incident.
“Yes, the command has arrested four suspects and they are now in police custody, as the investigation is still ongoing,” SP Haruna stated.
