Bayero supporters clash with guards at Sanusi’s palace in Kano

Tensions escalated in Kano on Sunday following a clash near the Kofar Kudu palace of the reinstated 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, allegedly involving supporters of the deposed 15th Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero.

The confrontation reportedly occurred while Emir Sanusi was away, with allegations emerging that Bayero’s loyalists attacked palace guards and damaged property. According to a statement by the Kano Emirate Media Team, signed by Sadam Yakasai, the attackers forcefully broke into the palace, injured guards, and vandalized police vehicles.

“They broke the gate, attacked guards, and smashed police vehicles. Aminu deliberately used the emir’s palace road instead of the appropriate route from Koki to Nassarawa, and his supporters then attacked Gidan Rumfa,” Yakasai stated.

He alleged that this was a deliberate act of provocation, claiming it wasn’t the first time Bayero had passed through the area. “He’s doing it to intimidate the people,” Yakasai added.

The statement also accused Bayero of defying the state government’s directive by continuing to reside in the Nassarawa mini-palace without legally challenging his removal. “He hasn’t gone to court, yet he continues to parade himself as emir,” Yakasai said.

Yakasai further claimed that Bayero lacked the support of Kano’s traditional leaders, noting that 37 out of 38 district heads had pledged loyalty to Emir Sanusi. He also stated that only one of Bayero’s six brothers refused to recognise Sanusi, and highlighted that even a nephew of former Governor Ganduje had recently been turbaned by Sanusi.

“This is the first time Bayero is confronting Gidan Rumfa directly, even while remaining within his heavily secured Nassarawa Palace,” Yakasai said.

However, a counter-narrative was presented by Muktar Dahiru, an eyewitness and member of Bayero’s entourage. Dahiru dismissed Yakasai’s claims, blaming the violence on unidentified miscreants who blocked the road with weapons as the emir’s convoy was returning from a condolence visit to the family of Alhaji Aminu Dantata.

“We encountered hoodlums with dangerous weapons blocking the road in front of the palace. Supporters had to clear the way so the emir could pass safely,” Dahiru explained.

He denied knowledge of any injured palace guards but confirmed that police had to intervene following the skirmish.

As of the time of reporting, the police have not issued an official statement on the incident.