The ongoing crisis in the Kano Emirate Council remains unresolved, with all parties holding firm to their positions. Supporters of both sides have also taken a hardline stance, adding to the tension.
Calls for the Kano State government to respect the rule of law have emerged from various quarters. On Sunday, supporters of the dethroned Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, took to the streets in a peaceful protest after praying for the deposed monarch. Traders joined them, urging the state government to obey a court order restraining the reinstatement of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, a prominent Islamic scholar based in Bauchi, called on all parties to respect the Federal High Court’s decision to maintain the status quo. Speaking through Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi at a press conference, he urged Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to comply with the court ruling.
The crisis intensified when Governor Yusuf, following a new law passed by the State House of Assembly, removed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero and reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II, resulting in a controversial situation with two serving emirs in one emirate. Sheikh Bauchi reminded the governor that he assumed office through a court procedure and should therefore respect legal processes. He urged all stakeholders to seek a peaceful resolution, emphasizing that no leader can govern without maintaining peace.
Sheikh Bauchi criticized the Kano State government’s decision to proceed with appointing the 16th emir and dethroning five emirs despite the court injunction. He also called on the National Assembly to amend the constitution to protect traditional rulers from being arbitrarily dethroned by politicians.
Meanwhile, a special prayer session was held by Aminu Ado Bayero’s supporters at the Nasarawa Palace, followed by a short protest march. Protesters urged the state government to comply with the court order regarding the amended Emirate Law, which dissolved the newly created emirates but failed to address the appointment of a new emir. Security personnel quickly dispersed the protesters.
The Kano State House of Assembly had passed a bill scrapping the five emirates created by the previous administration, which Governor Yusuf signed into law. However, a Federal High Court in Kano issued an order to halt the dissolution. The amended law reinstated the former Central Bank Governor, Muhammadu Sanusi II, as the Emir of Kano.
Aminu Ado Bayero, who was out of Kano at the time of the law’s amendment, returned to the Nasarawa Palace, heavily guarded by soldiers. Lawyers warned against disregarding the rule of law, highlighting the potential consequences of such actions. Senior Advocate of Nigeria Abdul Balogun and constitutional lawyer Oghenovo Items stressed the importance of respecting court orders to prevent the situation from escalating.
Additionally, National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu demanded an apology from Kano State’s Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussala Gwarzo, for accusing him of facilitating Ado Bayero’s return to Kano. Ribadu denied the allegations, stating through his spokesperson, Zakari Mijinyawa, that the accusations were false and damaging to his reputation. His lawyers have demanded a public apology, failing which they may pursue alternative measures.
The political and legal complexities of the Kano Emirate crisis continue to unfold, with no resolution in sight.
