Nasarawa Palace: Kano State Government Issues Eviction Notice to Deposed Emir Bayero

The Kano State Government has issued an eviction notice to Aminu Bayero, the deposed Emir of Kano, to vacate the Nasarawa Palace, where he has been residing since his dethronement. The government has described the palace as a “cemetery/graveyard” and deemed it unsafe for Bayero to continue living there.

According to Sanusi Bature, the Director-General of Media and Publicity to Governor Abba Yusuf, the palace includes graves of past Emirs and is partially used as a guest house for VIPs. The government argues that Bayero forced himself into the palace and should not reside in what they consider a defective structure.

The Kano State Executive Council, during a meeting on Saturday, approved N99.92 million for the demolition, reconstruction, and renovation of the palace’s wall, fence, and surrounding areas. Bature stated that Governor Yusuf authorized the allocation to ensure the structure’s safety and to restore its intended use.

Bature emphasized the historical significance of the site, noting that Bayero’s father, grandfather, and great-grandfather are buried there. He reiterated that the palace is meant to serve as a resting place for late Emirs and a temporary lodging for the current Emir during special occasions, not a permanent residence.

The eviction notice follows the repeal of the 2019 Emirate Law, which had created additional emirates such as Bichi, Karaye, Gaya, and Rano. With the revision of the law, the jurisdiction Bayero once governed no longer exists. Bature clarified that Bayero’s tenure as the 15th Emir of Kano was limited to eight metropolitan government councils, a structure now abolished.

Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice Haruna Dederi announced plans to demolish the palace, leading to a police deployment to prevent unrest. The political and legal saga intensified in May when Governor Yusuf dethroned Bayero and reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano. Despite a Federal High Court ruling on Thursday ordering Bayero’s reinstatement, the Justice Commissioner reaffirmed the legality of the law that facilitated Sanusi’s return as the 16th Emir of Kano.