The battle for the kingship of Kano seemed to have taken a newer dimension as recent events indicated tension building up as policemen have barricaded the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II’s palace, restricting him from attending a royal ceremony in Bichi Local Government Area.
According to reports, efforts by the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, to intervene also faced hurdles, as his delegation was reportedly denied entry into the palace. The event was to feature the presentation of a staff of office to a new District Head of Bichi.
A source in the Kano Emirate said that heavily armed security guards, including armoured personnel carriers (APCs), blocked the Emir’s palace entrance and prevented anyone from moving.
“The emir has been on the phone trying to understand what is happening. He was prepared to leave for the ceremony when the security operatives arrived and ordered him to remain indoors,” an anonymous source within the palace revealed.
Efforts by the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, to intervene also faced hurdles, as his delegation was reportedly denied entry into the palace.
“His Excellency sent representatives to meet with the emir and mediate, but even they were not allowed past the barricade,” said a source close to the state government.
Meanwhile, the venue of the Bichi event was also cordoned off by security personnel, leaving attendees and organizers stranded.
When asked for a statement, SP Abdullahi Haruna, the public relations officer for the Kano State Police, said, “I cannot comment on the matter at this time.”
Many people have been speculating about the incident’s motivations, with some speculating that it may have political overtones.
Nevertheless, no formal statement has been released by the Emirate Council or the state government.