On May 25, 2024, in a significant and controversial development, the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, ordered the immediate arrest of the recently deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero. The announcement was made in a statement issued by Sanusi Tofa, the Director General of Media and Publicity for the Kano State Government House.
Governor Yusuf accused Bayero of creating tension within the state, which led to the decision for his arrest. The statement, titled "Gov. Yusuf Orders Arrest of Deposed Emir of Kano Aminu Ado Bayero," detailed the reasons behind this drastic measure. "The Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has ordered the immediate arrest of the former Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, for creating tension in the state," read the statement.
The controversy surrounding Bayero’s arrest stems from his unexpected return to Kano city. According to the statement, Bayero was smuggled into Kano in an attempt to forcefully return to the palace just two days after his deposition. This move was perceived as a direct challenge to the authority of the state government and a potential threat to public order.
In response to Bayero’s actions, the governor, acting in his capacity as the Chief Security Officer of the state, directed the Commissioner of Police to arrest the deposed Emir immediately. The statement emphasized the governor’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in Kano: “As the Chief Security Officer of the state, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has directed the Commissioner of Police to arrest the deposed Emir with immediate effect for disturbing public peace and attempting to destroy the relative peace the state enjoys.”
Aminu Ado Bayero’s deposition and the subsequent legal and political maneuvers have significantly altered the traditional and political landscape of Kano State. Bayero was deposed on Thursday, and since then, his whereabouts had been unknown until his dramatic return on Saturday. This incident followed the state House of Assembly's repeal of a law signed by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje on December 5, 2019, which had split the Kano Emirate into five distinct emirates and appointed Emirs to each.
Governor Yusuf’s administration moved quickly to reverse Ganduje’s law. Upon the repeal of the Kano Emirates Council Law, Yusuf gave all the Emirs affected by the previous law 48 hours to vacate their palaces and hand them over to the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. This directive was part of a broader effort to centralize the Emirate under one leader, a move that was completed with the reappointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II.
On Friday, the governor officially reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano. Sanusi, who had been deposed in 2020 by Ganduje, received his reappointment letter at the Government House in Kano. Governor Yusuf, during the reappointment ceremony, stated, “By the powers conferred on me by the Kano Emirate Council Law of 1984 and 2024, and supported by the recommendation of the kingmakers, I have the singular pleasure of confirming the reappointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and the head of the Kano Emirate Council.”
The return of Aminu Ado Bayero was met with a considerable crowd of supporters, as seen in videos circulated by Daily Trust. This public display of support highlights the complex and deeply rooted loyalties within Kano’s traditional system. The arrest order has further polarized opinions in the state, with supporters of Bayero and Sanusi both advocating for their respective leaders.
The arrest of a deposed Emir is a rare and significant event in Nigerian politics and traditional governance. This action not only underscores the volatile nature of Kano’s political landscape but also raises questions about the balance of power between traditional institutions and state authority. As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor how these events affect the stability and governance of Kano State.
In conclusion, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s order to arrest Aminu Ado Bayero marks a dramatic escalation in the ongoing power struggle within Kano’s traditional hierarchy. This incident reflects broader themes of authority, legitimacy, and governance that resonate beyond the state. The coming days and weeks will be pivotal in determining the future of Kano’s traditional leadership and its relationship with the state government.
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