Bayero and Sanusi supporters clash at Gidan Rumfa
Sanusi, Ado Bayero Supporters clash at Kano palace
Supporters of the rival Emirs of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero and Muhammadu Sanusi II, transformed the serene palace grounds at Kofar-Kudu into a chaotic battleground over the weekend. The violent clash broke out as Bayero’s convoy returned from a condolence visit, and escalated into gate-breaking, guard attacks, and vandalism of police vehicles, prompting a police probe amid rising tensions in the emirate.
Clash Erupts as Convoy Returns from Condolence Visit
The clash occurred when supporters of the deposed 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, returned from a condolence visit to the family of the late Alhaji Aminu Dantata. Eyewitness accounts confirm that upon reaching the Kofar-Kudu axis, the old palace area, tension escalated between the two factions.
According to eyewitness Muktar Dahiru, Bayero’s entourage encountered “unknown miscreants” blocking the road with dangerous weapons. His supporters confronted them to clear the way, and Emir Bayero passed through unhurt. Police later intervened, using tear gas to disperse the crowd and restore order.
Violence at Gidan Rumfa: Gate Broken, Guards Attacked
The palace occupied by Emir Sanusi II, known as Gidan Rumfa, bore the brunt of the collision. A statement by Sadam Yakasai of the Emirate Media Team accused Bayero loyalists of forcefully breaking the palace gate, assaulting guards, and vandalizing stationary police vehicles. The attackers reportedly acted deliberately on the Emir’s palace road.
These allegations, however, are disputed. Ado Bayero’s camp dismissed the accusations, saying supporters responded defensively to unidentified assailants. They also rejected any suggestion of intentional vandalism or premeditated aggression.
Police Launch Probe into Palace Disturbance
The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the incident and announced that Commissioner CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori has commissioned an investigative panel. The panel aims to determine the instigators and sequence of events that led to the violent confrontation at the royal compound.
Meanwhile, civil society groups have urged law enforcement agencies to identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible, noting the palace is a protected national heritage site. The call reflects growing concern about escalating violence in traditional leadership tussles.
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Political Context: Dual Thrones Fuel Tensions
The current crisis is rooted in the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano in May 2024, following the dethronement of Aminu Ado Bayero and other first-class emirs. Bayero refused to vacate his mini-palace in Nassarawa, leading to a polarized emirate with two rival courts.
Disputes over legitimacy and palace occupation have fueled repeated confrontations throughout the year. This latest clash marks the most serious outbreak of violence yet, signaling deep divisions among traditional stakeholders and clan factions in Kano.
Civil Society Condemns Attack and Demands Accountability
Local civil society organizations, led by One Kano Agenda, have condemned the violence as a calculated provocation that risks public safety. They have called on the police to act decisively, recover damaged property, and ensure the safety of Emir Sanusi and palace personnel.
These groups argue that such unchecked aggression in a royal enclave undermines security and tradition, and they expect swift justice to deter future escalations. They specifically highlighted the theft of a police magazine, citing serious negligence by authorities.
What’s Next for Kano’s Royal Crisis?
With the investigative panel now in place, stakeholders await a transparent briefing on its findings. The outcome is expected to shape accountability measures and may influence whether further evictions or legal actions will be taken against either faction’s loyalists.
Community leaders and peace advocates continue to call for calm while urging resolution through dialogue and legal adjudication, not confrontation. The federal high court remains embroiled in parallel litigation over the emirship, adding complexity to any political resolution.
Heritage Under Threat Amid Power Struggle
The violence on palace grounds represents more than a personal clash, it threatens Kano’s cultural heritage and historical unity. A palace once symbolizing regal order was turned into a scene of chaos, reflecting the fragility of tradition amid political rivalry.
Resolving this conflict now depends on the police investigation, tempered by judicial guidance and community dialogue. As Kano stands at a crossroads, the integrity of its emirate system, and the peaceful coexistence of two royal courts, hang in the balance.