Bayero’s camp kicks as Sanusi rides horse to public event despite ban

The camp of Kano's 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, has expressed displeasure following Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II's decision to ride a horse to a public event, despite the Kano State Government's recent restrictions on such activities. Sanusi rode a horse to the Sani Abacha Stadium for Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary celebration on Thursday, defying the state government's ban.

Initially, he had traveled to the event in a vehicle and then switched to a horse at Kofar Mata, continuing the journey on horseback back to the palace. The development has prompted a response from the Bayero camp, which questioned the government's ability to enforce its directive. A senior member of Emir Bayero's council, Aminu Babba Dan'agundi, said the camp was awaiting the government's response and the monarch's return before deciding on their next move.

Should the government's restriction apply to all traditional rulers, Dan'agundi suggested that the Bayero camp would organize a horse-riding procession to Yakasai for a Qur'anic graduation ceremony. The Kano State government banned horse-riding and Durbar processions across the metropolis indefinitely after Emir Bayero led a similar procession to attend a Qur'anic school graduation in Yakasai.

The state's decision came after an emergency meeting of the State Security Council, which expressed concerns about rival claimants to the Kano throne and the potential for confrontation. The emirate dispute between Sanusi and Bayero has been ongoing since the reinstatement of Sanusi as Emir and the repeal of the law that established five emirates in the state.