Kano emirate tussle: Bayero’s supporters protest demand Bayero’s return

Kano witnessed fresh drama yesterday as supporters of the deposed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero staged peaceful protests demanding his return. This comes amid a renewed battle for the throne between Bayero and reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, following Governor Abba Yusuf’s reappointment of Sanusi and the issuance of a 48-hour palace eviction notice to the affected emirs.

Bayero’s supporters lit bonfires and chanted anti-government slogans, while the state police vowed to enforce a court order against Sanusi’s reinstatement. Tensions remain high as Bayero stays at Nassarawa mini palace under heavy security, and Sanusi operates from Gidan Rumfa palace.

Protests have also erupted in Rano Emirate over the dethronement of their emir, Kabiru Muhammad Inuwa. In Karaye Emirate, the deposed emir has vacated his palace, while in Gaya, residents held prayers in protest against the emirate’s abolition.

Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers have urged the federal government to stay out of Kano’s royal crisis to avoid further destabilization. As tensions simmer, the Kano police have uncovered a plot to attack key state locations, warning miscreants against testing the law.