Sanusi Lamido Sanusi makes a return as the Emir of Kano, or so we thought. He was officially reinstated yesterday, Friday, May 24, as the 16th Emir of the ancient emirate by the state Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf. This was following the repeal of an Emirate Law that led to his deposition and the division of the Kano Emirate under former Governor Umar Ganduje, who famously feuded with the outspoken monarch.
Emir Sanusi was preparing to make a triumphant return to a palace he left hurriedly about four years ago when news of an order from the Federal High Court in Kano emerged. The order, given by Justice Liman, blocked the governor from reinstating the former CBN governor and called for the maintenance of the status quo, which held that Aminu Ado Bayero remained the substantive Emir of Kano. And thus began the game of thrones, with both great houses, those of Sanusi and Bayero, calling in the banners of their friends and allies.
Earlier this morning, Aminu Ado Bayero, who had previously left the city for Nasarawa, reportedly flew back in. According to clips seen online, he was received at the airport by scores of supporters and accompanied back into the city by a combined squad of police, military, and other security agencies.
Reports have it that House Bayero has secured the support of influential figures within the Federal Government to cling to the seat. The clearest indication came when the Police Commissioner reportedly said on Saturday morning that the security agencies will enforce adherence to the court order, which halted Sanusi’s reinstatement and upheld Bayero’s continued stay in office as Emir.
Meanwhile, at the state level, House Sanusi appears to hold all the cards. The reinstated Emir was escorted to the main palace by the state governor and other important government officials. He continues to enjoy their company and protection, as the governor, in what was a dramatic escalation, directed security agencies to arrest the deposed Bayero for introducing chaos into the state with his return.
Kano is now faced with the prospect of having two rulers, each being representatives of powerful families with historic ties and networks that further complicate the dilemma.
A lot is riding on the outcome of the case filed by Bayero and his allies. The conflicted 15th Emir has voiced his willingness to obey the verdict of the court, while urging calm in the city, which has become tense as both houses show strength through the convergence of local supporters.
So far, House Sanusi has secured the palace and received homages from district chiefs and other important dignitaries. But will it be able to keep it?
