Nigeria Kano Residents Protest Emir Bayero's Removal, Call for His Return

Supporters of dethroned Emir Aminu Bayero protested across Kano's five emirates following his removal by Governor Abba Yusuf. The protests demand Bayero's reinstatement. Bayero was replaced by reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi, leading to unrest and the deployment of soldiers to monitor the situation.

Supporters of Aminu Bayero, the dethroned Emir of Kano, have taken to the streets in protest across the five emirates of Bichi, Rano, Karaye, Kano, and Gaya.

The protests erupted after Kano Governor Abba Yusuf signed a new law repealing the Emirate Council Law 2019, which initially divided the Kano emirate into five jurisdictions and led to the dethronement of Muhammadu Sanusi in 2020.

Sanusi was reinstated as the 16th Emir of Kano on Thursday in a ceremony at the government house and has since moved into the palace. Bayero, who returned to Kano on Saturday and moved into the palace in Nassarawa LG, was subsequently ordered to be arrested by the governor.

Soldiers have been deployed to monitor the dethroned monarch. Protesters carried banners and placards demanding Bayero's reinstatement, chanting anti-government slogans, and setting up bonfires on busy roads, alleging that the emirship tussle is politically motivated.

The unrest reflects the deep divisions and political tensions surrounding the traditional leadership in Kano.