Tension, Chaos in Kano as Bayero’s Supporters Allegedly Attack Emir Sanusi’s Palace

The leadership crisis surrounding the Kano Emirate took a violent turn on Sunday after supporters of the deposed 15th Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, were accused of attacking the Kofar-Kudu palace of the reinstated 16th Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II.

According to a statement released by the Kano Emirate Media Team, the incident unfolded when Bayero’s convoy, returning from his Mandawori residence, allegedly made a provocative detour through the road leading to Gidan Rumfa, the official palace of Emir Sanusi. 

Media aide Sadam Yakasai claimed the move led to chaos, as Bayero’s loyalists forced their way in, assaulting palace guards and damaging security vehicles stationed within the premises.

“They broke into the palace, attacked the guards, and left some of them injured,” Yakasai alleged. 

“They even vandalised police patrol vehicles. Aminu took that route intentionally—he could have used the Koki to Nassarawa path but chose to pass the palace to provoke fear among residents.”

Yakasai further condemned the former emir’s continued presence at the Nassarawa mini-palace, which he described as unlawful trespass. 

He noted that Bayero, since being removed by the Kano State government, has not taken any legal action to contest his deposition but continues to act as emir.

“He hasn’t challenged his removal in any court. Yet he’s relying on other people’s legal efforts while disrupting peace near the Government House,” Yakasai stated. 

“Despite all this, the governor has acted with patience and leadership.”

He stressed that Emir Sanusi enjoys overwhelming backing within the emirate, pointing out that 37 of the 38 district heads have reaffirmed loyalty to him. 

“Even the nephew of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje was recently turbaned by Emir Sanusi, not Aminu Bayero,” he said.

This marks the first time Bayero’s conflict with Sanusi has reached the gates of Gidan Rumfa directly, despite his continued stay at the heavily guarded Nassarawa mini-palace located near the seat of government.

Efforts to obtain a response from the Nassarawa palace were unsuccessful, as Bayero’s media aide, Abubakar Kofar-Naisa, did not respond to calls for comment.