Recent comments by the former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, urging members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to pledge allegiance to the reinstated Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, have sparked fresh controversy and a sharp rebuttal from the deposed Emir, Aminu Ado-Bayero.
On 23 May 2024, Governor Abba Yusuf dethroned Mr Ado-Bayero as emir after the State House of Assembly repealed the 2019 State Emirate Council Law, a law enacted by the previous administration of Abdullahi Ganduje.
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The legislation reinstated Mr Sanusi as the sole Emir of Kano. However, Mr Ado-Bayero has challenged the government’s decision in court and continues to hold court at a mini-palace in the Nasarawa GRA within the city.
Speaking on Tuesday at the official launch of the state-controlled security outfit, the Neighbourhood Watch Corps (NWC), Mr Kwankwaso charged members of his Kwankwasiyya movement to stand firm against what he described as the federal government’s attempt to impose Mr Ado-Bayero.
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“We have only one Emir in Kano, and I want you to recognise only Lamido Sanusi as that Emir,” Mr Kwankwaso told a crowd at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
The political atmosphere grew tense earlier that morning when the state road traffic agency blocked major routes leading to the Nasarawa palace—located just 30 meters from the governor’s office—prompting a high-security alert from the forces stationed there.
At the event, which Emir Sanusi attended, Mr Kwankwaso called on the Kano State Commissioner of Police to withdraw security operatives from Mr Ado-Bayero’s palace, arguing that their presence escalated tensions.
He further described the accommodation of the deposed emir at the Nasarawa palace as an affront to the state’s traditional institutions.
In a swift response, Aminu Dan’agundi, a high-ranking title holder in the Kano Emirate, condemned Mr Kwankwaso’s remarks as an incitement to violence and a contempt of court.
Speaking to Lumana Radio International, Mr Dan’agundi maintained that Mr Ado-Bayero has violated no laws by remaining at the mini-palace. He argued that the state government denied the emir his right to a fair hearing.
“We are challenging the state government’s decision in court. The court has already ruled that the removal was illegal and ordered that he remain,” Mr Dan’agundi stated.
He added defiantly, “Even without the police, we have the power to mobilise thousands of youths to secure the palace. If the emirship were an elective position, we would defeat Mr Kwankwaso and his team hands down.”
He appealed for calm among supporters, expressing confidence that Mr Ado-Bayero would soon be fully restored to the throne.
The crisis is deeply rooted in the rivalry between Mr Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, and Abdullahi Ganduje, former governor and former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Initially, as Kano governor in 2014, Mr Kwankwaso appointed Mr Sanusi as emir. However, in 2020, Mr Ganduje, as Kano governor, dethroned Mr Sanusi, citing insubordination. Mr Ganduje split the Kano Emirate into five and appointed Mr Ado Bayero as the Emir of the main Kano Emirate.
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In 2024, Mr Kwankwaso’s protégé, Governor Yusuf, reversed Mr Ganduje’s actions. He said the decision was to “restore the glory” of the old emirate and “fulfil his campaign promise”.
Governor Yusuf relies on the newly passed law by the House of Assembly to justify Mr Sanusi’s reinstatement. The deposed emir’s camp relies on Federal High Court rulings that stayed the implementation of that law, arguing that the process of dethronement violated his fundamental human rights.
A major undertone that Mr Kwankwaso echoed on Tuesday is the tension between the state government, controlled by the NNPP, and the federal government, controlled by the APC.
The state accuses the federal government of using security agencies to protect the deposed emir, while the federal side argues they are simply preventing a breakdown of law and order.
The case is awaiting a verdict from the Supreme Court.
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