By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Sanusi reinstated as Emir of Kano
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, on Friday reappointed Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.
Sanusi received his letter of reinstatement at the Government House in Kano.
The governor said, “By the powers conferred on me by the Kano Emirate Council Law of 1984 and 2024, and supported by the recommendation of the kingmakers, I have the singular pleasure of confirming the reappointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and the head of the Kano Emirate Council.”
Yusuf noted that Sanusi’s reappointment was “based on his competence, credibility, and popularity,” urging the new Kano Emir “to be guided by the principles of Islamic teachings and to use his position to unite the emirate, fostering harmony among the Islamic sects in the state.”
The 16th Emir of Kano, Sanusi II, had initially ruled as the 14th Emir.
Sanusi’s troubles began in 2020 when he had a fallout with the former state governor and present National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje.
The Kano House of Assembly later passed a bill to split the Kano Emirate Council, primarily under Sanusi’s control, into five emirates, thereby diminishing his influence.
Afterwards, Sanusi was deposed and replaced by the recently dethroned 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero.
However, on Thursday, May 23, 2024, the Assembly dissolved all five newly created emirate councils in the state – Bichi, Karaye, Gaya, Rano, including Kano – and passed the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024, which replaced the Kano State Emirates Council Law of 2019.
The 2024 Bill paved the way for Sanusi’s reinstatement.
Additionally, the governor gave the five emirs a 48-hour ultimatum to vacate their official residences and palaces.
Reacting to this, the governor, while recalling past events during the turmoil, said Sanusi was victimised when he was dethroned, adding that his reinstatement is beneficial for the people of the state.
“We had a series of meetings with the kingmakers yesterday, extensive discussions with the Speaker, and we also sat with all the heads of security. At the end of the day, we all gathered in the chamber where I received the bill that repealed the former law, and we signed the new law repealing all the appointments.
“We did that out of our convictions and belief that this gentleman was victimised in 2019. We all feel that we must restore what is due to the good people of the state.
“Let me use this opportunity to humbly thank the Speaker and all members of the House for your determination and respect for the rule of law. It shows your interest in the welfare of the people of the state,” Yusuf said.
Present at the event were traditional rulers, kingmakers, and other top dignitaries.
Reinstated, Emir.
Sanusi reinstated as Emir of Kano