The royal battle in Kano took a dramatic turn with the return of the recently deposed Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, to Kano.
The ex-Emir, accompanied by loyalists, arrived at Malam Aminu Kano Airport on Friday night on the ground that the case was filed in the court.
WikkiTimes reports that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano who was earlier dethroned by former Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje in 2020.
Kano State House of Assembly has passed the Kano Emirates Council Law (Repeal Bill) 2024 nullifying the law used to sack Sanusi and the the establishment of five new emirates within the state.
According to BBC Hausa, reports suggested that Aminu Ado Bayero returned to reclaim his position as Emir despite his imminent removal.
Reacting to Bayero’s return, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other government officials gathered at the palace around 1 a.m. on Friday, escorting the reinstated Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II to the Emir’s residence.
Governor Yusuf has since ordered the arrest of the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, for allegedly causing unrest in the state. A statement from the governor’s spokesman emphasized that, as the state’s chief security officer, Yusuf directed the commissioner of police to arrest the dethroned Emir immediately.
On Friday, the governor presented the new emir with a letter of appointment.
Meanwhile, Aminu Abdusalam Gwarzo, the State Deputy Governor on Saturday accused Ganduje of smuggling the former Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero back to the state using the office of the National Security Adviser. He made the allegation at the Emir’s palace while speaking with journalists.
Babaji Usman Babaji is an investigative journalist with over four years of experience, renowned for his impactful reporting on corruption, human rights violations, and holding those in power accountable in Nigeria.
His career is distinguished by participation in numerous media training programs and conferences, which have honed his investigative and reporting skills. Babaji’s data-driven stories have made a significant impact, particularly in Northern Nigeria, shedding light on critical issues and driving meaningful change.
As a reporter under WikkiTimes’ Collaborative Media (CMEDIA) Project, Babaji has led several groundbreaking investigations. He was a 2022 fellow of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and a 2024 Media Foundation for West Africa DPI/DPG fellow. His contributions to accountability journalism earned him a Certificate of Recognition from Xchange Hama Media for impactful community work.
