By Joke Kujenya
IN A HISTORIC turn of events, Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 14th Emir of Kano, four years after his controversial deposition.
The state governor made the announcement amid cheers at the Kano State Government House on Thursday, May 23.
He emphasized the full support of the kingmakers in reappointing Malam Sanusi Lamido, declaring, “With the full support of the kingmakers, I have approved the reappointment of Malam Sanusi Lamido.”
Sanusi, who served as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from 2009 to 2014, was dethroned by the previous administration led by Abdullahi Ganduje.
Ganduje’s administration had fractured the ancient Kano Emirate into five separate emirates, citing the need for administrative efficiency.
Sanusi’s ousting was then followed by the creation of new emirates: Karaye, Bichi, Rano, and Gaya, alongside Kano.
Yusuf, upon signing the new Kano State Emirate Council Law 2024, which repealed the 2019 law that had divided the emirate, announced the reinstatement of Sanusi.
“This is a historic moment,” Yusuf stated, acknowledging the efforts of the State House of Assembly in passing the bill.
The reinstatement came with immediate administrative changes.
Yusuf ordered the dethronement of Alh. Aminu Ado Bayero, who had succeeded Sanusi, along with four other first-class emirs appointed by Ganduje.
These sacked monarchs were given 48 hours to vacate their palaces and hand over their instruments of power to the Deputy Governor and Commissioner of Local Government Affairs, Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo.
Sanusi’s original deposition on March 9, 2020, had been marked by significant tension.
Security operatives surrounded his palace while he awaited formal notification of his dethronement. In the aftermath,
Sanusi called for calm and acceptance of the decision as divine will, urging his supporters to avoid bloodshed and to pledge allegiance to his successor, Bayero.
Born on July 31, 1961, Sanusi’s tenure as the CBN governor was notable for significant banking reforms and his exposure of a $20 billion oil scandal, which eventually led to his suspension.
Yusuf said that the reinstatement of Sanusi as Emir emphasizes a significant reversal of the previous administration’s policies and a consolidation of traditional power structures in Kano State.
Fubara Congratulates Sanusi II on Reinstatement as Emir of Kano
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has extended his congratulations to His Royal Highness, Muhammad Sanusi II, following his reinstatement as the 14th Emir of Kano.
Fubara expressed his delight at the news of Sanusi’s return to the throne, noting the timing of the announcement coincided with Sanusi’s visit to Rivers State. Sanusi, the former Governor of the CBN, was in Rivers State to support the administration’s economic initiatives.
Fubara highlighted the significance of Sanusi’s leadership within the Tijanniyah Sufi order, urging him to continue guiding the over 50 million followers in Nigeria with love, wisdom, and courage.
He emphasized the importance of Sanusi’s role in fostering peace, justice, equity, and fairness in Kano.
Fubara said he wished the Emir a successful and fruitful reign, expressing hope that his leadership would bring progress and prosperity to the people of Kano State.
