Operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police have closed off the entrance to the Palace of the Emir of Kano, where the 16th Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II, resides in the historic section of Kano metropolis.
The blockage was observed in the early hours of Friday, and sources believe it was aimed at preventing the Emir from attending a royal gathering in Bichi Local Government Area, where he was scheduled to present a staff of office to the District Head of the town.
Bichi is one of the towns that was designated as an emirate under the previous administration of former Governor Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, a move that was reversed by the new administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf earlier this year.
According to information from palace sources, Emir Sanusi II was expected to preside over the ceremony in Bichi but is currently being prevented from doing so due to the security blockade. Reports indicate that he has been asked to remain indoors by heavily armed security personnel. The entrance to the palace is also obstructed by armored personnel carriers (APCs).
“The Emir has been on the phone trying to find out what is happening,” said one source. Additionally, another source from the Kano State government stated that a delegation from Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was also barred from entering the palace by security operatives.
The venue for the event that Emir Sanusi II was scheduled to attend in Bichi has also been cordoned off by security personnel. Sources suggest that this situation may be related to the ongoing dispute over the removal of the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, and the subsequent enthronement of Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Currently, the legal issues arising from this controversy are before the Federal High Court, the State High Court, and the Appeal Court.
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