Kano’s Game of Throne: The Law Is Greater Than Anyone – Ahmed

By Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim, Goronyo

The law is greater than anyone, including its creators. However, when personal interests clash with the law, it becomes a mere puppet in the hands of the powerful.

The ongoing power struggle in Kano is a spectacle in our 21st century.

When does the law become a toy for its makers?

A Federal High Court order has halted the reinstatement of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, and with the case still pending in court, this should be sufficient to protect the people of Kano from unnecessary turmoil.

The traditional rivalry between the emirs continues to sow discord among the people of Kano, tarnishing the esteemed image of the once-mighty Kano Emirate.

As both parties lay claim to the emirate seat, the Kano Emirate has turned into a battleground for two powerful contenders.

As the judge remarked, “The parties are hereby ordered to maintain the status quo ante pending the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.”

So why not let the law restore order in Kano?

The exaggerated reactions from both emirs threaten to disrupt the relative peace in Kano. They must prioritize peace to avoid further chaos.

I support neither side but advocate for the High Court’s ruling and the rule of law. It’s essential for everyone to cooperate.

However, I must highlight Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s questionable justification for removing Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, claiming it was a campaign promise. This reason is baseless and unjustifiable for dismissing a public official within any constitutional framework.

Indeed, Emir Aminu Ado Bayero has grounds to contest his removal. According to the court order, he has a legitimate claim to his throne.

Protests on the streets and two emirs in one palace mock the cultural heritage of Hausa land. It is time for the Kano government to act responsibly.

The political maneuvering and campaign promises of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf are setting Kano ablaze with political revenge. Is this how the Kano Emirate Council will operate based on campaign promises? This means no one is safe, not even a mayor in Kano.

Traditional emirates should be like barracks: soldiers come and go, but the barracks remain.

History has witnessed powerful emirs being deposed for constitutional reasons.

Ibrahim Dasuki, the 18th Sultan of Sokoto, was deposed in 1996 by the military government of Sani Abacha, and life went on.

As Folaranmi Ajayi wrote, “The history of dethronement, particularly in Northern Nigeria, dates back to the early 1900s when some emirs refused to pledge allegiance to colonial administrators, leading to their dethronement and banishment for political insubordination.”

Mustapha Jokolo, a retired military officer, became the 19th Emir of Gwandu in 1995. He was dethroned in June 2005 by the Kebbi State Government for insubordination and moved to Obi in Nasarawa State.

Muhammad Sanusi I became the Emir of Kano in 1954 after his father, Emir Abdullahi Bayero, passed away. He was accused of insubordination by the Northern Nigerian administrators and was dethroned in April 1963, then sent to Azare in Bauchi State.

Emir Abubakar Dallaje of Katsina was removed from the throne in 1906 by Sir Frederick Lugard, the Governor General of Northern Nigeria, for insubordination and refusing to pledge allegiance to colonial administrators.

Deposed Emir Muhammadu Sanusi was found to have breached part 3 section 13 (a-e) of the Kano Emirate Law 2019.

The conflict intensified when the Governor proposed adding four additional emirates to the State Assembly.

On March 9, 2020, the Kano State Government announced the dethronement of Muhammad Sanusi II on grounds of political insubordination and criticizing the government. Emir Sanusi is known for his outspoken nature.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s removal of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero was a political move, based on a campaign promise. This jeopardizes the heritage and legacy left by colonial masters, turning them into political tools. This is unjust and an affront to Hausa land, and only its sons and daughters can prevent its downfall.

At this critical time, both the State and Federal governments should implement effective mechanisms to resolve the emirate conflict for the sake of security, law, peace, and to heed the court’s ruling.