Emir Bayero defends supporters, says they acted in self-defence during clash at Kano palace

The 15th Emir of Kano Aminu Ado Bayero has defended the actions of his supporters following Sunday’s clash at the Kofar Kudu palace of the reinstated Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, describing their conduct as an act of self-defence.

Tension flared when loyalists of Emir Sanusi and Emir Bayero reportedly clashed near the palace when the embattled emir passed by the route near the Kofar Kudu Palace on his way back from a condolence visit at late Dantata’s residence.

In an interview with a journalist, Bayero’s media aide, Khalid Uba, stated that the former Emir’s supporters were unarmed and only responded after being attacked by stone-throwing youths.

“Upon our arrival from Dantata House where the Emir had paid a condolence visit, some youths stormed the road with stones and weapons at Kofar Kudu,” Uba explained. “They started throwing stones at us, but fortunately, we were able to chase them back into the house, and the Emir passed successfully without anyone getting injured.”

He added that Bayero had used that route multiple times in the past without incident and maintained that no one in his entourage was armed.

The clash marks another episode in the deepening tussle within the Kano Emirate following the Kano State Government’s decision to reinstate Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano. The move reversed the creation of multiple emirates and deposed Emir Bayero.

Emir Bayero defends supporters, says they acted in self-defence during clash at Kano palace