The camp of the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, has reacted to the decision of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II to ride on horseback to a public event, days after the Kano State Government restricted horse-riding activities and Durbar processions in the metropolis.

Sanusi on Thursday rode a horse to the Sani Abacha Stadium to attend Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary celebration, despite the restriction announced by the state government.

The Emir had initially left his palace in a vehicle but stopped at Kofar Mata, where he mounted a horse and rode to the stadium where Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other dignitaries were gathered for the celebration.

He also rode back to the palace on horseback after the event, with supporters cheering along the route.

The development has sparked a fresh reaction from the Bayero camp, which questioned what action the state government would take over the reported breach of its directive.

A senior member of Emir Bayero’s council and Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Aminu Babba Dan’agundi, said the camp was waiting to see how the government would respond to Sanusi’s action.

Dan’agundi said supporters of Emir Bayero would await the return of the monarch, who is currently out of town, before deciding on their next move.

He said that if the government’s restriction applied to all traditional rulers, the Bayero camp would announce arrangements for its own horse-riding procession after consultations with the 15th Emir.

According to him, the proposed procession would be to Yakasai to attend the Qur’anic graduation ceremony which had earlier been affected by the government’s restriction.

He said details of the planned procession, including the date and time, would be communicated to the public after Emir Bayero’s return and consultation with his council.

The Kano State Government had on September 27 restricted all forms of Durbar processions and horse-riding activities within the metropolis indefinitely.

The directive followed a surprise procession led by Emir Bayero through parts of Kano, with thousands of supporters reportedly lining the route. The procession was linked to his planned attendance at a Qur’anic school graduation ceremony in Yakasai.

The state government said the decision was taken after an emergency meeting of the State Security Council, which expressed concerns over the mobilisation of supporters of the two rival claimants to the Kano throne and the possibility of confrontation.

It directed security agencies to enforce the restriction and take appropriate lawful action against anyone who violated the order or engaged in conduct capable of threatening public peace.

The emirate dispute between Sanusi and Bayero has persisted since the Kano State Government reinstated Sanusi as Emir and repealed the law that had created five emirates in the state.

Sanusi occupies the main Gidan Rumfa palace with the backing of the state government, while Bayero operates from the Nasarawa mini-palace.

The latest development is likely to add another layer to the continuing dispute over the Kano traditional institution, particularly as both camps continue to organise public and traditional activities within the metropolis.