Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has ordered the arrest of the dethroned Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, citing his alleged role in creating tension within the state. This directive follows Bayero's return to Kano on Saturday, where he was received by a large crowd of supporters at the Aminu Kano International Airport.
Governor Yusuf's order was announced in a statement by Sanusi Tofa, the Director General of Media and Publicity at the Kano Government House. The statement emphasized that Bayero's actions upon his arrival were seen as a threat to public peace and stability. Bayero had been unseated on Thursday, and his whereabouts were initially unknown until his return to the city.
The controversy began when the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)-controlled House of Assembly repealed a law enacted by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in December 2019. This law had split the Kano emirates into five and appointed new Emirs for each region. Governor Yusuf, upon signing the repeal of the Kano Emirates Council Law, mandated that all affected Emirs vacate their palaces within 48 hours and hand over to the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. He also reinstated Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, who had been deposed by Ganduje in 2020.
The reinstatement of Sanusi was formalized with a reappointment letter, and he led the Jumat prayers at the Government House, Kano, on Friday. Meanwhile, Bayero's return in the early hours of Saturday saw him greeted by supporters chanting prayers and verses from the Quran. Despite the warm reception, Bayero did not engage with the crowd and proceeded to perform the dawn prayer at the airport.
In response to Bayero's actions, Governor Yusuf's statement asserted, "As the Chief Security Officer of the state, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has directed the Commissioner of Police to arrest the deposed Emir with immediate effect for disturbing public peace and attempting to destroy the relative peace the state enjoys." The new Emir, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, had already arrived at the palace earlier that morning, accompanied by top government officials.
The situation remains tense as authorities work to address the unfolding developments and maintain stability in Kano State.
