Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II
A dramatic incident unfolded at the Government House in Kano when a drone unexpectedly fell on Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II’s head while he was delivering a speech during a Sallah homage he paid to the state government on Sunday.
The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, sparked speculation and allegations that the emir was stoned.
But contrary to initial claims suggesting the emir was hit with stones or another object, the truth behind the incident has now been revealed.
According to eyewitnesses and the drone operator, Salim Ameenu, the incident occurred when the drone lost control due to a low battery and crashed near the emir.
The drone operator, in a statement he released on social media on Monday, regretted the incident and apologised to the emir for the unpleasant event, noting that it was unintentional.
“Yesterday, I unintentionally flew my drone over His Royal Highness during his speech at Hawan Nasarawa. Due to a low battery, I lost control of the drone, and unfortunately, it fell near His Royal Highness.
“What happened has only strengthened my admiration for HRH’s composure and bravery. His Royal Highness simply glanced at the drone and continued his speech without hesitation — a true display of courage and grace under pressure,” he said.
The Guardian recalls that the insinuation that the emir was stoned is not unconnected with the fact that there are, at present, two parallel emirs in Kano — Sanusi and Aminu Ado Bayero.
Sanusi was dethroned by former governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who replaced him with Bayero, but he was reinstated by the current governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf — a development that threw the state into turmoil and triggered a legal tussle between the duo.
The two emirs, reports had it occupy two palaces, with Sanusi in the main palace while Aminu resides in the other palace in the Nassarawa area of the metropolis.
