Emirship Tussle in Kano: A Modern Game of Thrones

Kano State has been plunged into a state of turmoil following the reinstatement of Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano on Thursday, leading to the dethronement of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero. This dramatic development, reminiscent of the power struggles depicted in the television series “Game of Thrones,” has created significant tension and anxiety in the state.

The conflict involves two prominent royal families: the Bayeros and the Sanusis. Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II originally succeeded Emir Ado Bayero in 2014, but was deposed six years later in favor of Ado Bayero’s son, Aminu, amid a fallout with the then-governor Abdullahi Ganduje. Now, with Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) as governor, Sanusi has been reinstated.

The Kano State House of Assembly played a crucial role by passing the Kano Emirates Council Law (Repeal Bill) 2024, which dissolved the five first-class emirates created by former governor Ganduje. This move revived the Single Emirate System, effectively placing Sanusi back on the throne.

Governor Yusuf defended the reinstatement, stating it fulfilled his campaign promise to restore Kano’s traditional heritage. However, the situation took a legal turn when a Federal High Court in Kano issued an order halting the reinstatement and the dissolution of the four emirates, directing all parties to maintain the status quo.

Amid the unfolding drama, joint security agencies, led by the Kano Police Commissioner Muhammad Usaini Gumel, pledged to uphold the court order and maintain peace. The tense atmosphere was further inflamed when Bayero was brought back to Kano early Saturday morning, leading to Governor Yusuf ordering his immediate arrest for violating directives.

Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo accused former governor Ganduje of using federal influence to support Bayero’s return, a claim denied by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. Bayero, in a statement, urged for justice and called on Kano residents to remain peaceful.

The situation drew reactions from prominent figures. Former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso denied any involvement in the reinstatement, while ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai posted a cryptic message suggesting divine intervention. The Council of Ulamas in Kano cautioned against federal interference, warning of potential chaos.

Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), warned that the federal government would be responsible if violence ensued. Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong also criticized federal involvement, urging restraint to prevent the state from descending into conflict.

As the situation continues to evolve, the fate of Kano’s emirship remains uncertain, with all eyes on the legal proceedings and the responses from both state and federal authorities.