In the ongoing royal dispute in Kano, the state government has dismissed the hoisting of traditional and official flags at the Nassarawa Palace, where the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, resides, as a mere publicity stunt.
The flag, a symbol of the Emir’s authority, is usually raised at 6 a.m. and lowered at 6 p.m. daily, remaining down when the Emir is away or traveling.
On Thursday morning, the flag was seen raised at 6 a.m. at the Nassarawa Palace, sparking discussions and speculations.
Both Aminu Ado Bayero and Muhammadu Sanusi II continue to claim the Kano Emirate throne and perform all traditional and royal duties.
Bayero was deposed, and Sanusi was reappointed by the state government after an amendment to the state’s Emirate Law.
The same flag is also raised at the Gidan Rumfa Palace, where the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, resides.
Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the state governor’s spokesperson, dismissed the flag-raising at the Nassarawa Palace as an attempt to draw public attention.
“It’s a useless attempt to gain cheap publicity. There is no confusion or doubt that Emir Sanusi is the Emir of Kano,” he told newsmen.