The Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, has urged the city’s inhabitants to uphold lawfulness and orderliness while avoiding behaviors that might provoke disturbances.
He also delivered a severe admonition to those resisting his reappointment as emir, proclaiming that flames would engulf anyone trying to shatter the tranquility within the city.
In an audio recording in Hausa, distributed via Premier Radio’s Facebook page on Monday, March 24, Sanusi labeled those contesting his emirship as defying God’s will, insisting that such people would ultimately face unfavorable outcomes. He encouraged Kano’s residents to stay calm and devout, stressing that the emirate dispute was not centered on him individually but on divine fate.
“We are calling on the people to be law-abiding citizens. This war (Emirate Tussle) is not targeted at me; they are fighting what God has destined to happen. God doesn’t need anyone’s support. I am pleading with you to be patient and prayerful. God will continue to support those who are fair and just,” Mr. Sanusi declared.
He included a potent curse, stating, “Fire will consume anyone who is planning to set fire in Kano. May he never witness peace in his life. May Allah protect our country and our lives. Insha’Allah, whoever is challenging God’s decision will not end well.”
Mr. Sanusi’s remarks seem tied to escalating tensions after Governor Abba Yusuf ordered the state’s emirate councils to start organizing the Sallah durbar procession. This move ignited further discord, as Mr. Sanusi’s competitor, Aminu Ado Bayero, also revealed intentions to hold a durbar, aligning with his fifth year as Emir of Kano.
In correspondence with security bodies, Mr. Ado Bayero’s personal secretary, Abdullahi Kwaru, indicated that the durbar would proceed peacefully and notified the officials of the scheduled celebration, which would also commemorate the fifth anniversary of Ado Bayero’s tenure.
This confrontation between the two figures stems from the state government’s action last May to depose Ado Bayero and restore Mr. Sanusi as emir under revised emirates legislation. Ado Bayero is contesting his ousting legally, with both rivals now residing in distinct palaces within the city as they each assert their claim to the title of Emir of Kano.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
