In the heart of Kano, the longstanding tussle between two prominent emirs continues to grip the region. On Wednesday, the traditional and official flags were hoisted at the Nassarawa mini palace, signaling the presence and authority of the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero. This act, symbolic and steeped in history, underscores the ongoing power struggle between Aminu Ado Bayero and Muhammadu Sanusi II.
The flag, a potent symbol of emirate authority, is traditionally raised every morning at 6 am and lowered at 6 pm, marking the emir’s presence within the palace. When the emir is away or has traveled, the flag remains down. The hoisting of the flag early Wednesday morning was followed by its formal raising at 6 am on Thursday, cementing Bayero’s assertion of his rightful place as the Emir of Kano.
The dramatic flag-raising ceremony comes amid intense scrutiny and a palpable tension between the two emirs. Both Aminu Ado Bayero and Muhammadu Sanusi II continue to exercise traditional rites and maintain their respective claims to the throne from their palaces. The visual of the flag at Bayero’s Nassarawa mini palace serves as a public declaration of his legitimacy and authority in the face of persistent challenges.
The spectacle has led to what many are calling a “show of shame,” with both emirs firmly entrenched in their positions, refusing to yield ground. This public display of contention has not only captivated the local populace but also drawn national attention, highlighting the deep-seated divisions within the Kano emirate.
The roots of this power struggle can be traced back to the historical and political complexities surrounding the Kano Emirate. Muhammadu Sanusi II, who was deposed in March 2020 by the state governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, has since continued to wield influence and maintain a significant following. Meanwhile, Aminu Ado Bayero, appointed as the new emir, has been working to consolidate his authority and legitimacy.
As both emirs continue to engage in this high-stakes contest, the people of Kano watch closely, their daily lives interwoven with the unfolding drama. The hoisting of the flag at Bayero’s palace is the latest chapter in a saga that has no clear resolution in sight. With each day, the symbols of authority and tradition play out against a backdrop of political maneuvering, leaving the future of the Kano Emirate hanging in the balance.
