Sanusi Reinstated as Emir of Kano After Four-Year Hiatus
Sanusi Muhammadu has been reappointed as the Emir of Kano, four years after his removal by the former governor, Abdullahi Ganduje. He received his appointment letter from Governor Abba Yusuf on Friday at the Government House in Kano.
Governor Yusuf, citing the Kano Emirate Council Laws of 1984 and 2024, confirmed Sanusi’s reappointment based on the recommendation of the kingmakers. He emphasized Sanusi’s competence, credibility, and popularity, urging him to lead in accordance with Islamic principles to promote unity and harmony among the Islamic sects in the state.
The reinstatement ceremony was attended by traditional rulers, kingmakers, and other dignitaries. It followed the recent signing of the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024 into law, which abolished the emirate councils created by Ganduje.
The 2019 law, which divided the Kano Emirate into five smaller emirates and led to Sanusi’s deposition, was repealed. Governor Yusuf described Sanusi’s 2019 removal as victimization, stating that the new law restores the Kano Emirate to its original status and voids all appointments made under the 2019 law. The governor also gave the emirs of the dissolved emirates 48 hours to vacate their palaces.
Sanusi’s tenure as Emir began on June 8, 2014, under then-Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, following his removal as the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria by President Goodluck Jonathan. His deposition in 2020 was controversial and widely debated.
Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to the Kano State House of Assembly for their swift passage of the repeal bill, emphasizing their commitment to the welfare of the state’s people.
