The situation in Kano State, particularly surrounding the residence of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, has sparked significant tension, leading to a heavy deployment of police and security personnel. The police action was prompted by intelligence reports that suggested a planned violent protest, allegedly orchestrated by members of the Kwankwasiyya movement, which is supportive of former Governor Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The protesters reportedly intended to target the Kano Government House and march through the Nasarawa area, which is near the Emir’s residence.
This crisis is rooted in the ongoing political and legal struggles over the leadership of the Kano Emirate. The issue began in 2019 when former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje divided the Kano Emirate into five smaller emirates and dethroned the 14th Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II. The decision was highly controversial and led to tensions between different political and traditional factions in the state. When the NNPP, led by Kwankwaso, took power in 2024, they reversed Ganduje’s actions by reinstating Sanusi as the Emir, sparking a legal battle over the rightful Emir of Kano.
Currently, there are two rival Emirs: Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, supported by the Federal Government, and Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, backed by the Kano State Government. This has left Kano with a divided political and traditional leadership, contributing to the ongoing unrest in the state. The deployment of security forces is a direct response to prevent further escalation of the tension and maintain public order.