The Kano State Government has strongly criticized the Nigerian Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) for sealing off the palace of the Emir of Kano, a development that has sparked widespread reactions across the country. The government described the move as unjustified and an affront to the traditions and autonomy of the Kano Emirate.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Kano State Commissioner for Information, Malam Baba Dantiye, accused certain top-ranking officials in Abuja of orchestrating the action. He alleged that the move was politically motivated, aimed at destabilizing the state’s traditional institution and undermining the authority of the state government.
Dantiye expressed displeasure over what he termed “an abuse of power” by federal security agencies, asserting that the sealing of the palace was carried out without prior consultation or justification. “This is not only a violation of the sacred heritage of Kano but also a dangerous precedent that threatens the peace and stability of our state,” he said.
The government further warned that such actions could heighten tensions in the state, especially given the Emir’s symbolic role in maintaining cultural and social harmony. “The Emirate Council is an integral part of our identity, and any attempt to disrupt its functions will not be taken lightly,” the statement added.
Reports indicate that the sealing of the palace may be linked to the ongoing dispute over the Emirate’s leadership and political intrigues between the state government and influential figures at the federal level. However, federal authorities have yet to comment on the allegations.
The Kano State Government has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure that federal security agencies respect the autonomy of states and their traditional institutions. Meanwhile, traditional leaders and civil society groups have urged all parties to exercise restraint and work towards resolving the crisis amicably.
As tensions continue to rise, stakeholders in Kano are hopeful that dialogue and mutual respect will prevail to protect the integrity of one of Nigeria’s most revered traditional institutions.
