By Abiola Olawale
There is palpable panic in Kano State as a fire outbreak occur in the Gidan Rumfa Palace, a burning section of the palace of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II.
It was gathered that the fire outbreak which happened on Friday night, around 11 pm, was allegedly caused by yet-to-be-identified persons.
Sources within the palace reported that the affected area was at Kofar Kudu, a section where the Emir holds court sessions every Monday.
The source said: “It was the palace at Kofar Kudu. You know the palace has an entrance from inside while the main entrance is from the front (outside). The key was forced open and what was suspected was that they broke in, set the fire and locked the door,” said a source.
The incident has also been confirmed by the Chief of Staff to the Emir, Munir Sanusi Bayero, who is the Dan Buram Kano. He spoke on the devastating development on Saturday morning
The statement reads in part: “On Saturday, 13th July 2024 morning, a fire incident occurred at the outer court of His Highness’s Palace, Kofar Kudu. Fortunately, there were no casualties, and the damage was minimal,” he said.
The statement emphasised that measures were being taken to ensure the safety and security of the palace and its occupants. An investigation was underway to determine the cause of the fire and prevent future occurrences.
The New Diplomat reports that Kano State has been witnessing massive games of thrones after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf signed some changes to 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.
However, Bayero has continued to lay claim to the throne and has been sighted performing some ceremonial duties.
