Bayero's camp reacts as Sanusi rides horse to Kano event despite ban
The council of Aminu Ado Bayero, the 15th Emir of Kano, has responded to Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II's decision to travel on horseback to a public gathering, which took place days after Kano State authorities banned horse-riding and Durbar processions within the city.
Sanusi made the trip on Thursday to the Sani Abacha Stadium, where Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary was being marked, in spite of the government's restriction.
Leaving his palace by vehicle at first, the Emir later halted at Kofar Mata, from where he climbed onto a horse and continued to the stadium. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other prominent figures were present at the venue for the celebration.
After the event, the Emir returned to his palace on horseback as well, with backers cheering him along the way.
The Bayero camp has now asked what steps the state government intends to take regarding what it described as a violation of its order.
Aminu Babba Dan'agundi, a senior figure in Emir Bayero's council and the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, stated that the camp is observing how the authorities will react to Sanusi's conduct.
According to Dan'agundi, Emir Bayero's backers will hold off on any decision until the monarch, who is presently away from Kano, comes back.
He added that should the restriction be intended for all traditional rulers, the Bayero camp would, after talks with the 15th Emir, reveal plans for its own horse-riding procession.
Dan'agundi explained that the planned procession would head to Yakasai for a Qur'anic graduation ceremony that had previously been disrupted by the government's order.
He further said that particulars of the intended procession, such as the date and time, would be made public once Emir Bayero returns and consults with his council.
On September 27, the Kano State Government placed an indefinite ban on all Durbar processions and horse-riding activities inside the metropolis.
The restriction came after Emir Bayero led an unannounced procession through sections of Kano, with reports of thousands of supporters thronging the route. That procession was connected to his planned appearance at a Qur'anic school graduation in Yakasai.
The state government explained that the decision followed an emergency session of the State Security Council, which raised concerns about the gathering of supporters of the two rival claimants to the Kano throne and the risk of a clash.
Security agencies were instructed to implement the restriction and to take suitable legal action against anyone who breached the order or behaved in a manner that could endanger public peace.
The emirate tussle between Sanusi and Bayero has continued since the Kano State Government reinstated Sanusi as Emir and repealed the legislation that had established five emirates in the state.
Sanusi resides in the main Gidan Rumfa palace with the state government's support, whereas Bayero operates from the Nasarawa mini-palace.
The most recent turn of events is expected to complicate the ongoing dispute over the Kano traditional institution, especially as both sides keep arranging public and traditional activities within the city.
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