The tension in Kano State is mounting as a team of soldiers has been deployed to the mini-palace of Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the dethroned Emir of Kano.
News About Nigeria reports that the development comes after Ado Bayero returned to the ancient city on Saturday, defying the 48-hour ultimatum given by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to vacate the palace.
Ado Bayero’s return was met with a warm reception from his supporters, who chanted verses from the Holy Quran and hailed his return.
However, Governor Yusuf has ordered his immediate arrest, accusing him of creating tension in the state.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf alleged that Ado Bayero was smuggled into Kano City in an attempt to forcefully return to the palace two days after being deposed.
The deployment of soldiers to the mini-palace is seen as a move to prevent any further escalation of the situation.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, was involved in the return of the dethroned Emir to the palace.
Gwarzo claimed that Ribadu arranged for two jets to transport Ado Bayero back to Kano.
He said, “The National Security Adviser gave two jets to bring the dethroned emir to Kano and to bring him to the place. We have not understood their intention.”
Recall that on Thursday, a Federal High Court in Kano issued an interim order restraining the Kano State Government from enforcing the Kano State Emirate Council Repeal Law.
The order was granted by Justice Mohammed Liman in response to an application filed by Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan Agundi, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba of the Kano Emirate.
In his ruling, Justice Liman ordered parties to maintain the status quo ante (the previously existing state of affairs) pending the hearing of the fundamental rights application, which is fixed for June 3, 2024.
He also granted an interim injunction restraining the police and other security agencies from enforcing, executing, implementing, and operationalizing the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law.
