The camp of the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, has reacted to Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II’s decision to ride on horseback to a public event despite a government restriction on horse riding activities in the Kano metropolis.
Sanusi rode on horseback to the Sani Abacha Stadium on Thursday to attend Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary celebration.
Reports said the Emir initially left his palace in a vehicle but stopped at Kofar Mata, where he mounted a horse and continued to the stadium. He later returned to the palace on horseback, accompanied by cheering supporters.
The Kano State Government had on September 27 restricted all Durbar processions and horse riding activities within the metropolis until further notice.
The restriction followed a procession involving Bayero and his supporters, with the government citing security concerns and the possibility of confrontation between supporters of the rival camps.
Reacting to Sanusi’s appearance, Sarkin Dawaki Babba and senior member of Bayero’s council, Aminu Babba Dan’agundi, said the camp was waiting to see what action the government would take over the reported breach of the directive.
Dan’agundi said Bayero’s supporters would await the Emir’s return before deciding on their next step.
He added that if the restriction applied to all traditional rulers, the Bayero camp would consider organising its own horse riding procession to Yakasai for a Qur’anic graduation ceremony.
The Kano Emirate dispute has continued following the reinstatement of Sanusi as Emir and the emergence of competing claims involving Bayero.
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