The Arewa Community in Southern Nigeria has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing royal dispute in Kano, urging him to preserve the integrity of the traditional institution. Musa Saidu, Chairman of the community, made the call during an interview with journalists on Thursday in Abuja.
Saidu attributed the crisis to political manipulation, alleging that certain politicians were exploiting the situation for personal gain, to the detriment of the revered Kano Emirate. He warned that the dispute does not serve the interests of Kano residents nor does it enhance the traditional institution’s standing.
“Kano holds significant political influence, and President Tinubu, who may seek re-election in 2027, should not allow this royal crisis to escalate,” Saidu remarked, stressing that the ongoing dispute over the Kano Emirate stool is an embarrassment not only to the state but to Nigeria as a whole.
Saidu expressed concern over Tinubu’s silence on the matter, deeming it “worrisome and wrong.” He referenced former President Muhammadu Buhari’s intervention in 2020, when Buhari set up a committee to mediate between then-Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
Saidu urged both Emir Aminu Ado Bayero and Muhammadu Sanusi II to reflect on the harm the conflict has done to the institution they represent, reminding them of the shared belief in divine control over power. “Allah grants power to whom He wills and takes it when He wills; let us accept this destiny in our lives,” he said.
He also called on politicians to avoid causing division among the people for personal gain.
In addition, Saidu voiced his support for the ongoing investigation into former Kaduna State Governor Nasiru El-Rufai, praising the Kaduna State House of Assembly for its initiative. Saidu said the investigation, alongside the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) involvement, sets an example for transparency that other lawmakers should follow, emphasizing that democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere of corruption.
“El-Rufai has advocated for transparency in governance. Now it’s his opportunity to prove his innocence,” Saidu said, advising El-Rufai to appear before the investigative committee instead of seeking legal action.
