Sanusi remains Emir of Kano – Gov Yusuf

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has dismissed growing speculation that recent political realignments could affect the position of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, insisting that the emir’s status remains intact and legally secure.

The governor’s clarification follows renewed public debate over the prolonged Kano emirate crisis, which has pitted two royal figures—Sanusi and Aminu Ado Bayero—against each other since 2024, amid shifting political alliances.

For nearly two years, Kano has witnessed an unprecedented traditional standoff, with Emir Sanusi operating from the historic Gidan Rumfa Palace, while Bayero continues to occupy the Nassarawa mini-palace. Both camps have drawn support from rival political interests, deepening divisions within the ancient emirate.

Sanusi, who was deposed in March 2020 by the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was reinstated in May 2024 by Governor Yusuf after the Kano State House of Assembly repealed the 2019 Emirates Council Law. The repeal restored Kano’s single-emir structure and nullified the creation of additional emirates that critics said were designed to weaken Sanusi.

Despite the repeal, Bayero has continued to lay claim to the throne, reportedly enjoying security presence and perceived backing from some federal quarters, further complicating the crisis and straining traditional cohesion.

Speculation Grows After Governor’s Defection

Fresh uncertainty emerged this week after Governor Yusuf defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), aligning politically with Ganduje, a known supporter of Bayero. The move also signalled a clear break between Yusuf and his former ally, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, under whose influence Sanusi was widely believed to have regained the throne.

The development triggered widespread speculation that the emirate dispute could be revisited as part of political reconciliation within the APC.

Fuel was added to the debate when the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, hinted during a radio programme that the prolonged “two emirs” situation might soon be resolved. Although he gave no details, his remarks were interpreted by many as suggesting a possible political settlement.

‘No Plan to Remove Sanusi’

However, reacting to the speculation, Governor Yusuf, through his spokesman, Sanusi Bature, categorically ruled out any intention to remove Sanusi.

“There is absolutely no plan to replace Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II,” Bature said in an interview with Weekend Trust. “His appointment followed due process after the emirate law was repealed, and nothing about the governor’s defection will change the status quo.”

He described reports linking Sanusi’s fate to partisan politics as unfounded and misleading.

“The traditional institution is non-partisan. What the governor did was to restore its dignity and integrity. People should disregard these rumours,” he added.

Bature said the government had not opened talks with the Bayero camp but appealed for restraint in the interest of peace and stability.

Emirate Not Part of Political Deal

The governor’s spokesman also dismissed claims that the emirate issue featured in negotiations leading to Yusuf’s defection to the APC.

“The emirate matter is not political. It is the personal interest of some individuals. It was never discussed during the defection process,” he said.

He urged Aminu Ado Bayero to distance himself from political manoeuvring and contribute to peace in Kano.

Legal Battle Still Pending

Beyond politics, the dispute remains before the courts. A key Bayero ally, Alhaji Aminu Babba Danagundi, has challenged the repeal of the emirate law and Bayero’s removal. The case is currently awaiting a final verdict at the Supreme Court.

A historian and adviser to the Kano State government, Prof. Tijjani Naniya, said any lasting solution must respect the law.

“Political interests are inevitable, but they must operate within legal boundaries. Consultation and consensus remain the safest path to peace,” he said.

Residents Express Mixed Feelings

Meanwhile, Kano residents have expressed mixed reactions to the renewed speculation. While some fear that reversing Sanusi’s reinstatement could inflame tensions, others insist that the legal framework should prevail.

“An emirate is not a political office,” said Musa Abdullahi, a Kurmi Market trader. “Let the law speak.”

Others called for restraint, urging all parties to allow the courts to determine the matter and prioritise peace in the state.

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