Nasarawa Palace: Bayero Served Fresh Quit Notice by Kano Governor

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has issued a fresh quit notice to the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero, instructing him to immediately vacate the Nasarawa Palace, where he is currently residing.

The governor stated that the move is necessary to demolish and reconstruct the dilapidated parts of the palace for safety and renovation purposes. On Sunday, June 23, the state government expressed concerns about Bayero’s continued residence in the Nasarawa Palace, deeming it unsafe and inappropriate for him to remain there.

Governor Yusuf, on Saturday, approved ₦99.9 million for the immediate reconstruction and renovation of the Nasarawa Palace. He emphasized that Bayero must vacate the premises promptly to ensure his safety and prevent any potential embarrassment.

The approval was made during a State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held at the Government House, chaired by the governor. Sanusi Bature, the governor’s Media and Publicity Director General, disclosed to The Nation on Sunday that the approved sum of ₦99,928,541.63 is earmarked for the reconstruction and renovation of the defective wall, fence, and surroundings of the Nasarawa Emir’s Palace.

The initial quit notice was issued by the State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Haruna Dederi, on behalf of the governor. This followed a federal high court ruling by Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman, which reaffirmed the validity of the law passed by the Kano State House of Assembly and assented to by the governor. This law was used by the state government to depose Bayero and reinstate Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.

Sanusi Bature explained that the Nasarawa Palace is essentially a graveyard, housing the remains of past Emirs of Kano, including Aminu Bayero’s father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. “His father was buried there, his grandfather is there, and his great grandfather is there. You can find out,” Bature told The Nation on Sunday.

He added, “The Nasarawa Palace is more of a cemetery for late Emirs of Kano than a palace. Another part of it serves as a guest house for important visitors and a resting place for the emir during festivals or visits to the Government House. Aminu is living in a graveyard. He forced himself into that property. We want to renovate it for its original purpose and for Bayero’s safety from the defective structure.”

The governor’s spokesman also highlighted that the 2019 emirate law, which created additional emirates like Bichi, Karaye, Gaya, and Rano, has been repealed. Consequently, Bayero’s jurisdiction no longer exists. Under the revised law, Kano now operates as a single emirate, abolishing the metropolitan councils over which Bayero once presided.

Regarding the recent court ruling nullifying the state government’s actions related to the new (repealed) emirate law, the government’s spokesman noted that they are appealing the decision. He expressed optimism about obtaining a favorable judgment, emphasizing that the appointment and removal of emirs are state matters. He praised the judgment for not overturning the new law and reaffirming Bayero’s dethronement.

This article is sourced from The Nation newspaper, with minor edits and adaptations by The Spectacles for clarity and readability.