Tension Escalates In Kano As Bayero’s Loyalists ‘Clash’ Near Sanusi’s Palace

Fresh violence erupted in Kano on Sunday as supporters of the deposed 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, allegedly attacked the Kofar Kudu Palace, the official residence of the reinstated 16th Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II, amid the ongoing tussle over the emirate’s throne.

Naijaonpoint learnt that the incident occurred shortly after Bayero and his entourage returned from his Mandawori residence, raising fresh concerns over the fragile peace in the ancient city.

According to a statement issued by the Kano Emirate Media Team, signed by Sadam Yakasai, the attack happened while Emir Sanusi was away from the palace.

Yakasai alleged that Bayero’s convoy deliberately passed through the road leading to Gidan Rumfa (Kofar Kudu Palace), rather than using the traditional route through Koki to Nassarawa, accusing him of attempting to provoke unrest.

He stated, “They broke the gate and attacked the guards, injuring some of them. They smashed the police vehicles in the palace. Aminu deliberately passed through the Emir’s palace road instead of taking the proper route from Koki to Nassarawa.

“This is not the first time he has passed through the area. He had done that previously after visiting his Mandawori residence. He did that to intimidate the people of the area.”

The media aide further accused Bayero of causing disturbances despite being deposed by the Kano State Government and occupying the Nassarawa mini-palace “without legal challenge.”

“He has not challenged his deposition in court but relies on cases filed by others,” Yakasai said, adding that Governor Abba Yusuf had continued to show restraint in the face of “nuisance and provocation.”

Yakasai also claimed that Emir Sanusi enjoyed overwhelming support from the traditional hierarchy. “Thirty-seven out of 38 District Heads have pledged allegiance to Sanusi,” he said.

He noted that even the nephew of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje was recently turbaned by Sanusi, not Bayero, further undermining Bayero’s claim to legitimacy.

However, an eyewitness, Muktar Dahiru, who claimed to be part of Bayero’s entourage, provided a conflicting account in a chat with The Guardian.

He described the incident as a clash between Bayero’s supporters and “unknown miscreants” who attempted to block the 15th emir’s convoy near the palace.

He stressed that the clash prompted the intervention of the police, who dispersed the hoodlums with tear gas.

Dahiru said, “I was on the entourage of the Emir of Kano, Alh. Aminu Bayero, at the time the incident occurred. We were actually coming from Koki quarters on a condolence visit to Alhaji Aminu Dantata’s family house.

“But while returning to Nassarawa palace through Kofar-Kudu, we saw some hoodlums blocking the road at the front of the palace. They were with dangerous weapons. At that point, the supporters of Emir Bayero had to confront them to clear the way, and they did that successfully, and Emir Bayero made his way unhurt.”