Kano’s traditional leader, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, has fiercely responded to the police siege on his palace, accusing external forces of attempting to incite violence and bloodshed in the state.
The 16th Emir of Kano, in a passionate sermon on Friday, condemned the armed presence of police and Department of State Services (DSS) agents around his palace, saying, “They want to provoke us into violence, but we know better.”
The police and DSS operatives surrounded the palace in Kofar Kudu, cutting off both entry and exit points, while the Emir was expected to accompany the newly appointed Wamban Kano, Munir Sanusi, to his district posting in Bichi. This unusual and intense display of security force raised suspicions among locals and government officials alike.
Emir Sanusi urged the people of Kano to remain calm in the face of these provocations. “What’s going on has to do with some persons who want the shedding of blood in Kano,” he said. He warned his followers that some external elements were working to destroy the peace of the state by forcing it into chaos and violence.
“We must resist the temptation of taking the law into our own hands,” the Emir added. “In the recent past, these forces have made concerted efforts to provoke our people, urging them to resort to violence.”
The situation in Kano has taken a serious turn as many are questioning the motives behind the security deployment. Emir Sanusi made it clear that these actions were designed to create tension, not resolve any real security issues.
“I urge you, my people, don’t fall for their cheap plans,” Sanusi told the congregants in the mosque. “Whoever comes to foment trouble in Kano aims to destroy our heritage. Therefore, let’s endure and be patient; patience is not cowardice.”
His words came as the siege on the palace continued, drawing attention from both local and national authorities. The Emir’s call for patience resonates deeply in a state with a rich cultural history and a deep-rooted respect for tradition.
The Kano State government, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, also expressed its outrage over the siege. Bichi condemned the actions of the security forces, labeling the incident as a provocative move by elements backed by the federal government.
“There is absolutely no security issue to warrant the deployment of security forces in these numbers,” Bichi said in a statement. “Some disgruntled elements, supported by Abuja, are trying to cause a crisis in our state.”
The state government further revealed that it had been invited by the Emir to witness the installation of the district head of Bichi. However, according to Bichi, security forces had informed them that an order from higher authorities prohibited this royal ceremony from taking place.
“This is a clear attempt to undermine the traditional institution in Kano,” Bichi said. “We will not stand down. The state government will deploy all available resources to ensure that the installation of the district head of Bichi proceeds as planned.”
The standoff at the palace is more than just a political crisis; it touches on the sensitive relationship between traditional institutions in Nigeria and the federal government. Emir Sanusi, once regarded as a leading figure in the banking sector before his controversial deposition as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), remains a powerful voice in Kano. His strong stance against the federal intervention in his palace reflects the ongoing power struggle between the traditional rulers and the central government.
Locals are watching closely, as the state government’s vow to support the Emir clashes with the federal government’s perceived attempt to undermine the authority of traditional institutions.
This tense situation underscores the deepening divide between traditional leaders and the federal government, a clash that could reshape Kano’s political and cultural landscape for years to come.
Emir Sanusi’s message to his people is clear: “We will resist them. We will not be provoked.” Only time will tell if this resistance will maintain the peace or if the battle for Kano’s soul will intensify.
