The palace of the reinstated Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, came under attack on Sunday, as suspected hoodlums linked to the deposed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero stormed Gidan Rumfa.
According to a statement released by the Kano Emirate media, the attackers reportedly forced their way through the palace gate, injuring some security personnel and damaging police vehicles stationed within the premises.
The incident happened shortly after Aminu Ado Bayero returned from a condolence visit and deliberately passed through Emir Palace Road instead of using the route from Koki to Nassarawa.
This is not the first time Bayero has gone through the area.
He had earlier passed the same way following a visit to his Mandawari residence, which residents described as an attempt to provoke and intimidate residents.
After his removal from the throne, Aminu Ado Bayero relocated to Nassarawa Palace without approval from the state government.
Although he has not taken legal steps to challenge his removal, he continues to act as Emir, relying on supporters to push his claim.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has continued to manage the tense situation despite alleged provocation from Bayero’s camp.
The government insisted that Emir Sanusi has the full backing of the Kano Emirate, with 37 out of 38 District Heads pledging loyalty to him.
Only one of Bayero’s brothers reportedly refused to acknowledge Sanusi’s authority.
Even the nephew of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who was recently turbaned as Village Head of Ganduje, received his title from Sanusi and not Bayero.
Sunday’s attack marks the first time Bayero’s loyalists have taken direct action against Gidan Rumfa, even as he remains based in the Nassarawa Palace, located close to the state Government House.
Observers see the development as a show of desperation by the deposed Emir’s supporters.
