Muhammadu Sanusi II, the influential Emir of Kano, has been reinstated to his throne in a colorful ceremony, four years after being deposed for showing “insubordination” to the authorities. Sanusi, a former central bank chief, was ousted in 2020 for opposing the re-election of Kano’s then governor. His supporters believe his removal was politically motivated.
Sanusi’s reinstatement ceremony took place at the Kano State Government house on Friday, despite a last-minute court order attempting to stop it.
The Federal High Court had issued an order stopping the state government from abolishing the five emirates created during the previous administration and returning to the old system of a single emir ruling Kano. However, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who had pledged to bring Sanusi back as emir during his campaign, ignored the ruling, stating that the laws of the state would not be changed by a judge based in America.
During the ceremony, Sanusi expressed gratitude to the state governor, legislators, and the people of Kano, but refused to comment on those who deposed him, saying they were not worthy of his attention.
Sanusi became the 14th Emir of Kano in 2014 and had frosty relations with the previous governor, Abdullahi Ganduje. He was accused of “total disrespect” towards local institutions before his removal in 2020.
The reaction to Sanusi’s reinstatement has been mixed, with some residents expressing happiness and support, while others criticize the move, citing concerns about the abolition of the five emirates created in 2020. Despite this, Sanusi’s return to the throne marks a significant development in the political landscape of Kano state.
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