Fresh tension has gripped Kano following a brazen attack on Gidan Rumfa, the official residence of the reinstated Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, by suspected loyalists of deposed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero.
According to a statement from the Kano Emirate media, the hoodlums stormed the palace on Sunday, forcing their way through the main gate. In the process, they reportedly injured security personnel on duty and vandalized police vehicles parked within the palace premises.
The attack reportedly came just hours after Bayero returned from a condolence visit to Saudi Arabia. Eyewitnesses said instead of using the regular Koki–Nassarawa route, Bayero deliberately drove past Emir Palace Road seen by many as a provocative move. It’s not the first time he has taken that route, with locals recalling a similar incident after a stop at his Mandawari residence, which they also viewed as a calculated attempt to stoke tension.
Since his removal, Aminu Ado Bayero has taken up residence at the Nassarawa Palace without the consent of the state government. Although he is yet to file a legal challenge to his dethronement, Bayero has continued to act like a reigning Emir, fueling division within the ancient city.
Meanwhile, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration has stood firmly by Sanusi II, who returned to the throne with overwhelming support from the Kano Emirate Council. Out of the 38 District Heads in the state, 37 have pledged allegiance to Sanusi. Only one Bayero’s brother has yet to recognize his leadership.
Even more telling, the newly appointed Village Head of Ganduje, a nephew of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, received his turban directly from Sanusi.
