A fresh wave of tension erupted in the ongoing Kano emirate crisis on Monday, following reports that loyalists of the deposed Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, were ordered to vacate the main palace, which is now occupied by the reinstated Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Naijaonpoint learnt that several officials and long-time palace residents, including traditional title holders and palace staff, were allegedly asked to leave due to perceived disloyalty to Emir Sanusi.
Sources told Premium Times that some houses within the palace had their roofs forcibly removed, apparently in an attempt to evict occupants who remained loyal to the embattled Bayero.
Those affected by the eviction order include notable palace figures such as the Galadiman Sallama, Sani Kwano, Dan-Habu Maji-Dadi, Sule Makama, Sarkin-Yakin Dan-Rimi, Sarkin Lema, Sarkin Tafarki, Baba Ta’aji, Oji Driver, Odiye Driver, and Bale na Sarkin Bichi.
Reports indicate that the eviction process turned chaotic on Monday evening as families of the affected officials resisted attempts to remove them from their quarters.
The emirship crisis dates back to May 2024, when Governor Abba Yusuf signed a controversial bill that dissolved the five emirates created under the previous administration of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. The move reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II as the sole Emir of Kano, four years after he was dethroned.
Following his removal, Ado Bayero has continued to operate from the Nasarawa mini palace, insisting on the legality of his position and challenging his ouster in court.
Sanusi, on the other hand, resumed duties at the Gidan Rumfa palace, the central seat of the Kano Emirate, and has since been re-recognised by the state government.
The development has placed several traditional title holders, district heads, and palace council members in a state of uncertainty as they navigate a sensitive political and cultural divide.