Nigeria’s Kano State has imposed a strict ban on public gatherings in a bid to prevent violence erupting from a power struggle between two rival royals vying for the traditional throne.
Emirs, traditional rulers in the Muslim north, hold immense cultural and religious influence despite lacking any constitutional authority. Kano, the state capital, has become the center stage for this drama.
Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s predecessor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, recently reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II as emir, four years after his removal by Ganduje. Sanusi’s successor, Aminu Ado Bayero, was ousted along with four others in response.
However, Bayero has refused to accept his dismissal, citing a court order that restrains his removal until a hearing in June. This has fueled tensions between supporters of both contenders, prompting Governor Yusuf to take action.
The governor’s office issued a statement citing credible intelligence suggesting opposition politicians planned to incite chaos by sponsoring protests in support of Bayero. Consequently, the state has explicitly banned “protests, demonstrations, or processions of any kind.” Violators will be “promptly apprehended.”
Kano police have echoed the governor’s stance, vowing to enforce the ban with “all sense of vigour.” Police personnel are on high alert, prepared to “ruthlessly deal with any situation” perceived as a security threat.
This power struggle highlights the complexities of traditional authority in Nigeria and the potential for violence when such disputes arise. The state’s response by clamping down on protests raises concerns about freedom of expression, but authorities appear determined to maintain order in the face of potential unrest.
