Sanusi Muhammadu has officially received his letter of appointment as the 16th Emir of Kano, reinstated by Governor Abba Yusuf just a day after the announcement.
The formal ceremony took place at the Government House in Kano on Friday, attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, kingmakers, and other dignitaries.
“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 to confirm the reappointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and the head of the Kano Emirate Council,” Governor Yusuf declared.
This reinstatement comes four years after Sanusi’s controversial dethronement by the previous governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.
Governor Yusuf’s decision followed the signing of the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024 into law, effectively nullifying Ganduje’s actions and restoring Sanusi to his former position.
Governor Yusuf emphasized the Emir’s role in promoting unity and Islamic principles, urging him to lead with competence, credibility, and popularity.
He highlighted the Emir’s responsibility to foster harmony among the various Islamic sects in the state.
Despite a court order attempting to halt Sanusi’s reinstatement and prevent the dissolution of the Kano Emirates created by the previous administration, Governor Yusuf proceeded, arguing that the judge had no authority to overturn the state assembly’s due process.
The reinstated Emir led the Juma’at prayer at the Government House, marking a significant moment in his return to power.
The new law signed by Governor Yusuf replaces the Kano State Emirates Council Law, 2019, dissolving the emirate councils created by Ganduje.
This 2019 law had split the Kano Emirate into five separate entities and led to Sanusi’s removal in March 2020. The new legislation restores the emirate to its pre-2019 status.
Governor Yusuf described the 2019 actions as a case of victimization against Sanusi, recounting the extensive consultations with kingmakers, legislative leaders, and security heads that preceded the reinstatement.
He praised the legislative body’s swift passage of the bill and expressed gratitude for their commitment to the rule of law and the welfare of Kano’s people.
Sanusi II, formerly known as Lamido Sanusi, ascended to the throne on June 8, 2014, during Rabiu Kwankwaso’s tenure as governor.
His initial appointment followed his removal as the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria by then-President Goodluck Jonathan, a move that had generated significant controversy.
Governor Yusuf’s recent actions aim to rectify past injustices and restore the historical integrity of the Kano Emirate, signaling a new chapter for the region’s traditional leadership.
