New information has emerged regarding the closure of the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II's palace gate by security personnel on Friday. The operation was purportedly taken to avoid a collapse in law and order in Bichi town, where the Emir was set to designate a district head.
Although the Nigeria Police Force has not issued an official statement, sources said the decision was based on intelligence indicating that Bichi people planned to disrupt the ceremony. According to an unidentified source who spoke with the Nigerian Tribune, "residents of Bichi town were allegedly planning to obstruct the installation." Security personnel worked quickly to ensure peace and order."
The move also reportedly discouraged dignitaries from attending the event in Bichi. The appointment of a district head in Bichi has sparked controversy, with many viewing it as a deterioration to their town's standing. While other cities affected by the breakup of the five Emirate Councils established by previous Governor Abdullahi Ganduje were given second-class emirs, Bichi was awarded a district head, causing resentment. Stakeholders have regarded the police action as crucial to keep the situation from turning into a serious crisis. By Friday morning, heavily armed police officers had sealed off the Kofar Kudu gate to the Emir's residence, limiting movement.
The event shows the persistent tensions between Kano's traditional leaders. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf's dissolution of the five Emirate Councils, reinstatement of Emir Sanusi II, and subsequent rearrangement of traditional hierarchies have exacerbated internal conflicts within the Emirate.