Supporters of Aminu Bayero, the recently deposed Emir of Kano, have taken to the streets of the five emirates—Bichi, Rano, Karaye, Kano, and Gaya—to protest his removal. Demonstrators, carrying banners and placards with various inscriptions, are demanding Bayero’s reinstatement and chanting anti-government slogans.

The protests erupted after Kano Governor Abba Yusuf signed a new law repealing the Emirate Council Law 2019. This controversial law had divided the Kano emirate into five jurisdictions, leading to the dethronement of Muhammadu Sanusi in 2020. In a surprising turn of events, Sanusi was reinstated as the 16th Emir of Kano on Friday during a colorful ceremony at the government house. Sanusi has since taken up residence in the palace.

Bayero, who returned to Kano on Saturday and moved into a palace in the Nassarawa Local Government Area, was ordered arrested by the governor shortly thereafter. A detachment of soldiers is currently keeping watch over the dethroned monarch, heightening tensions in the region.

Protesters allege that the emirship tussle is politically motivated and aimed at undermining the traditional institution. The demonstrations have added to the tension in the region, with many fearing a further escalation of the situation. The developments have sparked concerns about the potential for political instability and the impact on the traditional hierarchies in the state.

The unrest has drawn significant attention from both local and international observers, with many calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The traditional leadership in Kano has long been a pillar of stability in the region, and any disruptions to this institution are seen as deeply troubling.

As the situation continues to unfold, all eyes are on Kano’s political and traditional leaders to navigate this complex and sensitive issue. The outcome of this power struggle will likely have lasting implications for the region’s governance and its historical structures of authority.

Credit: Imran Muhammad/X