In a candid interview with newsmen, the 16th Emir of Kano, Nigeria, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, addressed the grievances of Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and other deposed emirs, who are reportedly struggling with their sudden loss of status and privileges.
Sanusi, who, along with Bayero, is laying claim to the Kano Emirate throne, expressed empathy for their plight. He stated, “What we are dealing with is a situation where somebody divided us. And actually, when you create these things, some people get some privileges. They didn’t ask for it, but they’ve enjoyed it for four years.”
He elaborated on the issue, highlighting that the core of the problem lies not in recent events but in actions taken four years ago. “Now when they lose it, it’s a problem. But the problem is not what has happened today. It is what happened four years ago. If it had not been done, we would not be in this situation today. We are one family, we are one people. Somebody comes, divides us up,” Sanusi remarked.
He reflected on how the division within the family was exacerbated by the allocation of emirates. “Even in this family, he takes one emirate, gives it to a part of the family. Now, when people enjoy it for four years and you take it away from them, it becomes a problem.”
The backdrop to Sanusi’s comments is the recent Federal High Court ruling in Kano, which ordered a compensation of N10 million to Ado Bayero. The court’s decision followed Bayero’s forced eviction from the palace and the order for his arrest by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf last month. The governor had given Bayero a 48-hour ultimatum to hand over power.
