KANO, Nigeria – The ancient city of Kano has been plunged into a fresh crisis following a stunning High Court ruling that has stripped Aminu Ado Bayero of his title as Emir of Kano. The court’s decision, which also ordered the police to evict Bayero from the palace, has sent shockwaves through the emirate and reignited a bitter power struggle that has been simmering for months.
A Controversial Appointment
The crisis has its roots in the controversial appointment of Aminu Ado Bayero as emir following the dethronement of his predecessor, Muhammad Sanusi II, in March 2020. A group of kingmakers challenged Bayero’s ascension, arguing that it violated the traditional laws and customs of the emirate.
In his ruling, Justice S. B. Namalam agreed with the plaintiffs, declaring that the process that led to Bayero’s emergence as emir was “flawed, irregular, and illegal.” The court held that the Kano State government had overstepped its bounds by appointing Bayero without following due process and consulting with the kingmakers.
Mixed Reactions and Political Undertones
The court’s decision has elicited mixed reactions in Kano, with some hailing it as a victory for tradition and the rule of law, while others have denounced it as a politically motivated move targeting Bayero and his supporters. The deposed emir, a younger brother of the late Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, has been a polarizing figure since his appointment, with critics accusing him of being a pawn of the state government.
In a statement, Bayero expressed his disappointment with the ruling, describing it as “a travesty of justice” and vowing to appeal the decision. The Kano State government, a staunch supporter of Bayero, has also pledged to challenge the court’s decision, with the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ibrahim Muktar, describing the ruling as “erroneous and misconceived.
A Bitter Dynastic Rivalry
The crisis in Kano Emirate has its roots in the long-standing rivalry between the Bayero and Sanusi dynasties, which have been locked in a bitter struggle for power and influence for decades. The dethronement of Muhammad Sanusi II, a reformist emir who had clashed with the state government on several occasions, was widely seen as a political move aimed at consolidating the power of the ruling party in Kano.
The appointment of Aminu Ado Bayero, who is seen as a more pliant and conservative figure, was criticized by many as a further erosion of the independence and autonomy of the emirate. The kingmakers who filed the suit against Bayero have argued that his appointment was a violation of the traditional laws and customs of the emirate, which require the emir to be selected by a council of elders and chiefs.
A Landmark Ruling with Far-Reaching Implications
The court’s ruling, which upholds the primacy of tradition and custom over political expediency, has been hailed by many as a landmark decision that could have far-reaching implications for the future of traditional institutions in Nigeria. The country has a long history of political interference in the affairs of traditional rulers, with many emirs and chiefs being appointed or dethroned at the whim of state governors and other political actors.
The crisis in Kano Emirate has also exposed the deep-seated tensions and divisions that continue to plague Nigerian society, with regional, ethnic, and religious fault lines being laid bare by the struggle for power and influence. The emirate, which is one of the oldest and most influential traditional institutions in West Africa, has long been a symbol of the rich cultural heritage and diversity of northern Nigeria.
The Road Ahead
As the battle for the soul of Kano Emirate enters a new phase, the eyes of the nation will be on Kano to see how the crisis will be resolved. Will the kingmakers be able to select a new emir who can unite the warring factions and restore stability to the emirate? Will the state government accept the court’s ruling and allow the traditional selection process to take its course? Or will the crisis deepen, with further legal battles and political maneuvering threatening to tear the fabric of the ancient city apart?
The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the future of Kano Emirate and the wider implications for traditional institutions, regional politics, and national unity in Nigeria. As the dust settles on the court’s ruling, the people of Kano and beyond will be watching and waiting, hoping for a resolution that can bring peace, stability, and progress to this ancient and storied land.
