By Abiola Olawale
The ongoing controversy and tussle surrounding the royal stool of the Emir of Kano has taken a new turn with indications emerging that a high-ranking official of the Emirate, the Galadiman Kano, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, may have pledged his allegiance to the deposed Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero.
The indications emerged following a circular dated June 10th, with reference number/ADM/27C/VOL11, which was purportedly issued by Abbas Sanusi, an uncle of the reinstated Emir, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II.
The circular conveyed the directive of Bayero to summon district heads to attend the durbar procession in observance of the upcoming Edel-El-Kabir celebrations.
In the circular, the Galadiman of Kano directed the district heads, alongside their village heads, horse riders, and other ranks to converge at the mini palace in the Nasarawa GRA where Bayero has been residing since he was deposed.
The circular reads in part: “We are directing all the district heads of the emirate to come along with their village heads, horse riders, and praise singers for the festivities.
“The importance of promptness and compliance with the directive, noting that any delay or insubordination would not be tolerated.
“Following the day’s court session, the emir will hold a meeting with all the district heads in the palace’s hall at Gidan Nassarawa to outline the details of this year’s durbar activities”, the circular which was purportedly written in Hausa, stated.
As per tradition, only the emirs are permitted to preside over the traditional Sallah festivals, including the Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha celebrations. This role symbolizes their authority and responsibility as the guardians of the Emirate’s customs and culture, reflecting their esteemed position within the community.
Upon announcing his intention to lead the traditional Sallah festival, sources have speculated that the deposed monarch may be testing his level of support amongst the general public.
The New Diplomat reports that Kano State has been witnessing massive games of thrones after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf signed some changes in the Kano State Emirate Council Bill into Law 2024.
The newly- signed law dissolved four new Emirates in the State and restored Kano Emirate to its pre-2019 status on Thursday, May 23.
Yusuf also issued a reappointment letter to Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II on Friday, May 24, as the new Emir of Kano, and ordered the Emirs affected by the new law to vacate their palaces within 48 hours.
The crisis had further escalated with conflicting court orders originating from both the Federal High Court in Kano state and the Kano State High Court.
