The Kano State Government, led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of orchestrating the sealing of the Kano Emir’s palace.
On Friday, armed police officers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) blocked the entrance to the palace, creating tension in the area. The security action coincided with a planned visit by Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II to accompany Alhaji Munir Sanusi, the newly appointed Wamban Kano, to his district post in Bichi.
The operatives sealed the palace entrance while the emir held court at the outer palace. Later, the emir led Friday prayers at the Kano Central Mosque, located outside the palace.
Backdrop of the Dispute
The visit to Bichi was significant because it is one of the four emirates created during the tenure of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje but dissolved by Governor Yusuf.
Kano Government’s Reaction
Speaking in Hausa on Freedom Radio, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abdullahi Bichi, expressed shock over the palace’s blockade. He claimed that the directive came from the Federal Government, accusing Abuja of meddling in Kano’s affairs.
“We woke up to this unexpected development, with the police sealing off the entrance to the Kano Emir’s palace,” Bichi stated. “Kano is peaceful, but some individuals backed by Abuja are determined to disrupt this peace.”
He clarified that the emir’s visit was a routine ceremony to escort the Wamban Kano to Bichi and return afterward.
“The emir’s appointment of the district head stands. Whenever the emir decides to visit Bichi, we will accompany him, no going back,” Bichi added.
Clarifications on Rumored Crisis
Bichi dismissed speculations of potential unrest in Bichi, describing the people of the district as peace-loving. He emphasized that the newly appointed Wamban Kano hails from Bichi, and his late father, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi I, also served as a district head in the area.
Efforts to reach the Kano State Police Command for comments on the incident were unsuccessful.
Next Steps
The Kano State Government plans to wait for the emir to reschedule his visit to Bichi. “When the time comes, we will mobilize people to accompany him and the new district head,” the SSG affirmed.
The situation underscores lingering tensions over the creation and dissolution of emirates in Kano, as well as growing friction between state and federal authorities.
