Calm is gradually returning to the city of Kano after days of tension over the throne of the Emir of Kano, as Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II marks the sixth day of his reinstatement amid ongoing legal challenges to his position.
The reinstatement, which has sparked controversy, saw Governor Abba Yusuf reappointing Sanusi, a move now contested in court.
The Sunusi camp maintains that he is the rightful emir. However, a Federal High Court in Kano issued an order to halt his reinstatement until the lawsuit challenging it is resolved.
Despite this, the News Agency of Nigeria reported that more district heads and members of the Tijjaniyya Shura Council, an influential Islamic sect council, have pledged their loyalty to Sanusi.
Prominent individuals such as Khalifa Sayyadi Bashir, Khalifa Abdullahi Uwaisu, Sheikh Ibrahim Shehu Maihula, and Barrister Habibu Dan Almajiri have also endorsed Sanusi, whose claim to the throne faces legal opposition from the camp of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero. During an initial court session on Sunday, Sanusi received the allegiance of 40 district heads and notable figures within the council, even as his emirship is contested.
NAN monitored the situation in Kano on Thursday, noting that many residents were carrying on with their daily activities. Security personnel were present at the Emir’s palace and the guest house where Bayero is currently staying, yet their presence did not seem to disturb the city’s residents.
Alhaji Kabiru Abubakar of Dakata Quarters remarked that most Kano residents are more focused on their livelihoods than the emirate dispute. He expressed confidence that the political and religious leaders of the state would soon resolve the issue.
Hajiya Aishatu Danlami of Brigade Quarters commended the state government for banning protests, which she said prevented miscreants from exploiting the situation to create chaos. Danlami praised the city’s residents for resisting provocations from individuals seeking to incite confusion. “Allah has spoken, and Sunusi is now in the palace, piloting the affairs of the Emirate. May Allah continue to guide him to bring about the progress we desire,” she told NAN.
Alhaji Abdullahi Yakubu suggested that Sanusi’s return reflects the will of the people of the state. Similarly, Alhaji Musa Isa of Dala in Dala Local Government Area called on Aminu Ado Bayero to accept the situation as divine will. Isa emphasized that there can only be one Emir at a time and urged Bayero to move on with his life, asserting, “Allah has spoken through the installation of Emir Sanusi.”
NAN reports that the Kofar Kudu palace has been bustling with activity, drawing people from across the city to witness royal displays and performances, including traditional gun salutes and the riding of elaborately decorated horses by palace aides. In addition, hawkers have set up stalls in front of the palace, selling food, drinks, textiles, shoes, and prayer mats. Praise singers and drummers gather daily, entertaining visitors who come from various parts of the country to pay homage to the reappointed emir.
