KANO — Tensions flared in Kano on Sunday as supporters of the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and the reinstated 16th Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II, clashed near the historic Kofar Kudu Palace, leaving police vehicles damaged and several people injured.
According to a statement released Monday by the Kano Emirate Media Team and signed by Sadam Yakasai, the violence erupted when supporters of Emir Bayero allegedly stormed the palace of Emir Sanusi during his absence, damaging the palace gate, attacking guards, and vandalizing police patrol vehicles stationed within the premises.
“They broke the gate and attacked the guards, injuring some of them. They smashed the police vehicles in the palace,” Yakasai claimed.
He further accused Emir Bayero of deliberately choosing to pass through the palace road—an unusual route—instead of the standard path from Koki to Nassarawa. Yakasai described the move as a calculated provocation aimed at intimidating residents of the Gidan Rumfa area.
“This is not the first time. He passed through here before after visiting his Mandawari residence. It is a deliberate show of force,” he added.
Yakasai also noted that Emir Bayero, who has been residing at the Nassarawa mini-palace following his removal by the state government, appeared to be “taking the fight directly to Gidan Rumfa,” the official residence of the Emir of Kano.
Attempts to get a reaction from Emir Bayero’s camp proved unsuccessful, as calls to his spokesperson, Abubakar Kofar-Naisa, went unanswered.
However, an eyewitness, Muhammad Ibrahim, who identified himself as part of Emir Bayero’s entourage, gave a conflicting account. He denied any attack on the palace, claiming the clash stemmed from an encounter with hoodlums who attempted to block the Emir’s convoy.
“We were returning from a condolence visit to Alhaji Aminu Dantata’s residence through Kofar-Kudu when we were confronted by some miscreants armed with dangerous weapons,” Ibrahim said.
According to him, Bayero’s supporters confronted the assailants to clear the way, ensuring the Emir’s safe passage to the Nassarawa mini-palace.
He also dismissed claims that palace guards were injured, describing the confrontation as a brief scuffle that was quickly controlled by police officers who dispersed the crowd using tear gas.
Meanwhile, the Kano State Police Command has confirmed that an investigation is underway and promised to release an official statement.
“I’m currently working on a statement regarding the incident,” said Police spokesperson SP Haruna Kiyawa when contacted by Nigerian Tribune.
The confrontation is the latest in the ongoing dispute over the Kano Emirate, which has seen deep divisions among supporters of the two traditional rulers since the controversial reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II.
