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Kano Emirate Turmoil: Why We Can’t Be Loyal To Sanusi – Officials

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on July 21st, 2025.

Kano Emirate Turmoil: Why We Can’t Be Loyal To Sanusi – Officials

Several traditional title holders displaced from the Kano Emir’s Palace have opened up about their refusal to pledge allegiance to the reinstated Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II, citing historical and personal loyalties to the deposed Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero.

One of the prominent voices, Usman Dako—known as Galadiman Sallama—was among those asked to vacate palace quarters on Monday. The eviction, he claims, followed accusations that he and others remained aligned with Mr. Bayero, who now resides at the Nasarawa GRA mini palace after being removed by the state government in 2024.

In a video that surfaced on Tuesday, Dako said he was informed that Emir Sanusi had ordered the eviction of those still associating with Bayero. According to him, the directive led to the destruction of his residence within the palace by unidentified individuals, who also allegedly harassed his family.

“My family has lived in the palace for generations. My grandfather passed away in 1949, my father in 1995, both of them were born and raised here—as was I,” Dako lamented. “The people carrying out these attacks have no such roots. Many of them only came into proximity to power through Sanusi himself.”

Dako emphasized that disagreements and disloyalty have existed among palace staff in the past, including under the late Emir Ado Bayero, but never led to such extreme consequences. He said the demolished house was given to his father by the late Emir and expressed dismay at the current treatment of long-serving families.

“It’s painful that someone who claims religious authority is behind this injustice,” he said. “Even non-Muslims shouldn’t be treated like this. Our ancestors, who served this palace even under bondage, were Muslims. We don’t deserve this humiliation.”

He reaffirmed his unwavering support for Aminu Ado Bayero, saying, “His father treated us with dignity. We will continue to follow him regardless of his status—be it as Emir or private citizen—because our loyalty is guided by divine will.”

Another displaced official, Danhabu Majidadi, also expressed outrage in a separate video, describing the evictions as unfair and deeply troubling.

The current crisis in the Kano Emirate began in May 2024, when Governor Abba Yusuf removed Mr. Bayero and four other first-class emirs, reappointing Sanusi II as the sole Emir of Kano. Since then, Bayero has contested his removal and continues to operate from the mini palace, while Sanusi resides in the main palace.

Among those affected by the eviction are traditional officials including Galadiman Sallama, Sani Kwano, Dan-Habu Maji-Dadi, Sule Makama, Sarkin-Yakin Dan-Rimi, Sarkin Lema, Sarkin Tafarki, Baba Ta’aji, Oji Driver, Odiye Driver, and Bale na Sarkin Bichi.

The rift has left many within the traditional structure—district heads, council members, and senior title holders—grappling with uncertainty over which leader to follow in an increasingly polarized situation.