Emir Bayero defends supporters’ actions as self-defence amid Kano palace clash

The Kano Emirate crisis took another tense turn as the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, defended his supporters’ involvement in Sunday’s clash at the Kofar Kudu Palace, claiming they acted purely in self-defence.

The confrontation erupted between supporters of Emir Bayero and those of the reinstated 16th Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II, at the Kofar Kudu palace.

The Kano State Government condemned the incident, describing it as unfortunate and noting that several innocent individuals were injured during the violence.

According to a statement from Emir Sanusi’s media team, signed by Sadam Yakasai, the Emir was not present when the attack occurred.

The statement accused Emir Bayero’s supporters of forcibly breaking into the palace, attacking security guards, damaging police vehicles, and deliberately using a confrontational route to provoke tensions.

Reacting to these claims, Emir Bayero’s media aide, Khalid Uba, noted that their supporters were unarmed and only defended themselves after being attacked by stone-throwing youths.

He said that while returning from a condolence visit, the entourage was ambushed at Kofar Kudu.

“They began throwing stones, but we managed to repel them and passed safely without injuries,” he said.

Uba also confirmed that loyalists of Emir Bayero had been evicted from the palace and reported receiving numerous complaints about the eviction process.

Tensions within the Kano Emirate have remained high since the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on May 23, 2024.

Sanusi had been removed four years earlier by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who also restructured the emirate system.

Emir Bayero, who succeeded Sanusi, has refused to relinquish his claim to the throne and continues to reside in the Nasarawa Palace under tight security, while legal challenges over the emirate leadership continue.

Meanwhile, some palace residents allegedly evicted during the recent unrest have shared their ordeal.

A woman who requested anonymity said she and her family were forced out by thugs who identified them as loyalists of Emir Bayero.

She alleged that the attackers removed roofing sheets, doors, and windows, and gave residents just 24 hours to leave.

According to her, some were notified at midnight on Sunday, while others found out on Monday.

“It was only after police intervened that we were allowed to stay one more night. We’ve now packed and moved to stay with relatives,” she said, appealing to the federal government for help.

The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of four suspects linked to the attack on Emir Sanusi’s palace.

Police spokesperson SP Abdullahi Kiyawa said the suspects are currently in custody and under investigation.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, has established a panel to probe the incident thoroughly.