In a monumental turn of events, Muhammadu Sanusi II has been reinstated as the Emir of Kano by Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State.
The announcement came after Governor Yusuf signed the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024 into law, effectively reversing the creation of new emirates by the previous administration of Abdullahi Ganduje.
Addressing a gathering at the Art Chamber of the Kano State Government House, Governor Yusuf expressed his firm support for the reinstatement:
“With the full support of the kingmakers, I have approved the reappointment of Malam Sanusi Lamido.”
This declaration was met with resounding cheers from those present.
The signing of the bill marks the culmination of a contentious period that began when Ganduje split the Kano emirate into five distinct emirates in December 2019. This move led to the deposition of Muhammadu Sanusi II on March 9, 2020, sparking widespread controversy and public outcry.
Reflecting on the significance of the decision to reverse the law, Governor Yusuf emphasized the restoration of the historic Kano Emirate: “The repeal of the 2019 law means that there is no emir in Kano as of now except the reinstated emir.”
This move effectively nullified all appointments made under the 2019 law and reinstated the original pre-2019 status of the Kano Emirate.
Muhammadu Sanusi II, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, assumed the role of the 14th Emir of Kano in June 2014. However, tensions between him and the Ganduje administration came to a head in 2019, culminating in his deposition and the creation of additional emirates.
The reinstatement of Sanusi II comes amidst a backdrop of political maneuvering and shifting alliances in Kano State.
Former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, a key figure in the state’s political landscape, had pledged to review the dethronement of the 14th Emir, underscoring the intricate dynamics at play.
This historic decision mirrors a similar episode in Kano’s history in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Governor Abubakar Rimi’s attempt to create five emirates faced staunch opposition, echoing the sentiments expressed during Ganduje’s tenure.
Similarly, Governor Sabo Bakin Zuwo’s decision to restore the Kano Emirate to its original status serves as a parallel to Governor Yusuf’s recent move.
As Kano embraces this pivotal moment, the reinstatement of Sanusi II marks not only a triumph for tradition but also a testament to the enduring resilience of the Kano Emirate.