Before the death of Bayero three months ago, activities at the palace had been grounded. The 84-year-old monarch, who spent five decades on the throne, had lived the most part of the last days of his reign shuttling between Nigeria and United Kingdom, seeking medical attention. As such, even when he was in the country, he was hardly seen in the public. This development forced palace officials to suspend most of the traditional outings and functions of the office of the emir, such that the once bustling royal house to became quiet.
Only two major traditional activities were held towards the end of Bayero’s reign. First, a grand durbar was organized to celebrate the emir’s 50 years on the throne. Secondly, there was the turbanning ceremony of his friend, Sheikh Muhammad Nasir, as Wazirin Kano. The latter was to be the monarch’s last public appearance – he died a week later, on June 6, 2014.
Immediately after the death of Ado Bayero, the palace burst at the seams with a beehive of activities attracting mourners from across the country and beyond.
However, that lasted only two days as the palace was sealed off by security operatives, following the appointment of a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, as the new emir by the Kano State government. It was another dull moment at the palace, as it, once again, became as quiet as a graveyard.
A recent visit to the palace by our correspondent revealed that royal activities that had been the tradition of the Kano emirate for decades have since returned and taken shape. The sound of traditional trumpeters, signifying that one was at the palace, could be heard as one approached the entrance. Musicians filled the air with songs for the emir. Royal aides and loyalists were seen around undertaking various chores. The palace maintained a steady flow of people who came to pay home to the new emir.
All the past glories of the Kano palace have been restored fully with the new Emir holding court five days a week, receiving complaints and resolving disputes among his subjects, as was the practice under his predecessor, it was gathered.
Also, execution of royal functions like award of traditional titles, which are in exclusive preserve of the emir, have equally been reinstated. The emir has approved three major traditional appointments since he ascended the throne.
First, was the turbanning of Malam Sa’ad Shehu Gidado as the new Wazirin Kano, to replace Sheikh Nasir Muhammad, whose earlier appointment by the late Bayero was turned down by the state government.
Emir Sanusi also appointed his uncle, Alhaji Munnir Sanusi, as the new Dan Majen Kano, a title which he (Sanusi) held until his elevation to the stool of the Emir of Kano.
He also appointed Alhaji Yahaya Inuwa Abbas, the son of the late emir of Kano Muhammad Inuwa, as Dokajin Kano.
Apart from the palace sitting, Emir Sanusi also made his first outing outside the state, visiting Sultan of Sokoto to pay his respect and present himself to the Sultanate. He also met with the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, during the visit. Emir Sanusi also paid a similar visit to the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammad Iliyasu Bashar.
The Kano emir’s palace is always full of activities, with dignitaries and heads of corporate bodies streaming in to pay homage to the emir and wish him good luck.
Prominent among the emir’s guests were the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador James Entwistle, General Muhammad Buhari, state governors, captains of industry and business moguls, among others.
The coronation of Emir Muhammad Sanusi II is expected to hold after the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, as a coronation committee for the ceremony has reportedly been inaugurated. Residents of Kano State are eagerly for the event.
The last time a similar event took place in the state was 50 years ago when the late emir, Ado Bayero, was presented with the Staff of Office by the former governor of Northern Region, Sir Kashim Ibrahim.
