Even amidst the various challenges bedevelling Nigeria,the tussle for the throne of Emir of Kano has become the trending issue in the country.
Today marks exactly 1,546 days that His Highness Muhammadu Lamido Sanusi II, was deposed as the Emir of Kano by the Former Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje over allegations of insubordination.
After 1545 days, the current Kano Governor reappointed him as the 14th Emir of Kano when he signed a bill which repelled the earlier legislation removing Sanusi by Ganduje.
Since the announcement, the power tussle has been on to determine the rightful owner of the throne.
Rumours has it that Emir Bayero departed Kano when he got a hint of the Governor’s plan to re-appoint Sanusi, as it turned out though, Emir Bayero had left Kano not to avoid Sanusi, but rather to pay a visit to the Awujale of Ijebuland over his coronation and birthday anniversary.
Sanusi Lamido after he was presented with a new letter of the appointment said the intervention of the current Governor has saved the royal institution.
The Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State at the ceremony announced that the information of court ruling advising that ‘status quo be maintained’ will not be honoured by his government, saying the judge who gave the order is currently in the United States of America. According to him, how can someone be in the USA and be giving an order in Nigeria? He promised to report the action to the Governor’s forum.
He further said his reappointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II, yesterday was sequel to his assenting of Kano State Emirates Council (Amendment number 2) Bill, 2024 passed by the Kano state House of Assembly.
In a twist, the Emir of Kano,Bayero who was announced to have left Kano returned amidst wide jubilation yesterday night, which caused the Governor in a statement by his media aide to order the arrest of Emir Bayero for breach of peace in the state.
However, the Nigerian Police Force have reaffirmed their stance that Ado Bayero remains Kano Emir.
This was made known in a press conference saying the joint security agencies, under the leadership of the Kano Police Commissioner, Muhammad Usaini Gumel, have said It will obey the court order issued by a Federal High Court stopping the Kano State government from reinstating Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II.
The Police Commissioner, Muhammad Usaini Gumel, alongside other top security officers of the military, the DSS and others, warned that they would not allow anybody to break the peace and unity of the State using what is happening in the Emirate Council.
He said, “our joint security resolved to keep peace in Kano, and the development surrounding the Emirates Council; the Police Command respects the court order, alongside other security agencies and we have resolved to ensure that we keep peace in the state.”
He further said the order to arrest the dethroned Emir Bayero has not been transmitted to the police command as they only read it on social media.
He added that they would not be compelled by anybody to carry out any assignment.
“As far as the situation of the Emirate is concerned, we recognize the Emir who was there as stated by the court, and we are only respecting court orders which says status quo should be maintained and that is where we stay and stand,”
The Nigeria Police further warned miscreants to stay away from causing havoc in the state, as the safety of the people remain sacrosanct.
With the recent development, we have two Emir in Kano’s battling for the throne, one is recognised by the Federal Government while the other is recognised by the State Government.
The Traditional Institution used to be a respected throne which serves as a no go area for those in Government but today, the reverse is the case. Politicians have turned royal fathers to puppets as those who are not ready to bow down are treated unjustly.
The Former Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje said one of the reasons for removing Emir Lamido Sanusi was because he was a social critic even as he was managing social institutions which restrains him from making unguarded comments but rather protect traditions as well as the institutions of the state.
As the battle for the throne continues, it is my appeal that the State Governor should understand that power is transient, It is best that this issue be handled with utmost care otherwise,this may set bad precedent for the unjust sacking and re-appointment of royal fathers.
It is high time those in government start according proper respect to traditional institutions in order to preserve our heritage.
Written by Tosin Adesile
