Ganduje Finally Embraces Sanusi as Emir of Kano, Four Years After Historic Deposition

In a stunning turn of events that has caught the political class off guard, former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has publicly recognised Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II as the rightful Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs. Akahi News can confirm that the acknowledgment happened on Tuesday during a swearing-in ceremony at the Government House, Kano.

Akahi News learnt that the event was meant to inaugurate the new Deputy Governor of Kano, Murtala Sule Garo. But it was Ganduje’s gesture that stole the show. Addressing the gathering, the former governor greeted Sanusi by his full traditional title, a moment that drew thunderous applause from dignitaries and attendees alike.

Why does this matter? Because it is the first time Ganduje has openly recognised Sanusi in that capacity since their infamous fallout. And what a fallout it was.

A Brief History of the Kano Emirate Crisis

To understand the weight of this moment, one must rewind to 2020. Akahi News gathered that while serving as governor, Ganduje deposed Sanusi as Emir of Kano, sending shockwaves across the nation. The dethronement was seen by many as politically motivated rather than based on any traditional or religious infraction. Sanusi, a former Central Bank governor known for his outspokenness, was exiled from Kano.

In his place, Ganduje installed Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero. For years, Ado Bayero sat on the throne while Sanusi remained in the shadows. But the story did not end there.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, after assuming office, reversed the decision. He reinstated Sanusi and removed Ado Bayero. However, Ado Bayero refused to step down. There were strong insinuations that he had the backing of Ganduje and even the Federal Government. For months, Kano had two Emirs – a traditional and constitutional crisis that threatened to tear the ancient city apart.

Things Changed When Governor Yusuf Defected to APC

Then came another twist. Governor Yusuf, who had been a fierce critic of Ganduje and the All Progressives Congress (APC), defected to the APC months ago. That political realignment appears to have softened the once-rocky ground. Akahi News noted that a major sign of the thaw came when Sanusi was allowed to hold the Sallah Durbar – a stark contrast to past years when police had invited him over violence concerns and even banned the festivities.

Now, with Ganduje publicly recognising Sanusi, the message is clear: the old wounds are healing, or at least being bandaged over. But is this genuine reconciliation or political convenience? The former governor did not explicitly apologise for the 2020 deposition. He simply greeted Sanusi by his title. In northern Nigerian politics, sometimes that is enough.

What Does This Mean for the People of Kano?

For the ordinary resident of Kano, this recognition brings a measure of closure. The Emirate is not just a traditional institution; it is the soul of the city. Having two Emirs confused the faithful and divided loyalties. With Ganduje’s public acknowledgment, the legitimacy of Sanusi’s return gains wider acceptance – even from the man who once removed him.

But one question lingers: what becomes of Ado Bayero? He has not formally relinquished his claim. And his backers, both within Kano and in Abuja, have not publicly abandoned him. Akahi News believes that until Ado Bayero steps aside or is formally persuaded to do so, the crisis is merely dormant, not dead.

Governor Yusuf’s defection to the APC has reshaped the political chessboard. Ganduje and Yusuf are now in the same party. Sanusi, who once had a frosty relationship with the current administration, now appears to be enjoying relative peace. Politics, as they say, makes strange bedfellows.

A Philosophical Reflection on Power and Reconciliation

There is a saying in Hausa: “Ba a jin kura a gida bayan an yi mata baya.” Roughly translated, it means one does not hear the hyena’s presence at home after turning one’s back on it. Ganduje turned his back on Sanusi for four years. Now, he has turned around to face him. But has the hyena forgotten the wound?

Akahi News believes that true reconciliation requires more than a greeting at a public event. It requires an acknowledgment of wrongs and a commitment to never repeat them. Sanusi, for his part, has shown grace by accepting the recognition without public bitterness. That is statesmanship.

But the people of Kano deserve more than gestures. They deserve a final, legal, and constitutional resolution to the Emirate crisis. They deserve a clear statement from the government that Sanusi is the sole Emir and that Ado Bayero’s parallel claim is no longer recognised by any arm of the state. Until that happens, the emirate will remain a ticking time bomb.

For now, however, the sight of Ganduje greeting Sanusi by his full title is a powerful image. It says that yesterday’s enemies can become today’s allies – especially when politics demands it. Whether that is good for Kano or merely good for the politicians is a question only history will answer.

📌 Key Summary Box – What You Must Know

• ✔ Former Kano Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has publicly recognised Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs.
• ✔ The acknowledgment happened during the swearing-in of Deputy Governor Murtala Sule Garo at the Government House, Kano, on Tuesday.
• ✔ This is the first time Ganduje has openly recognised Sanusi since deposing him in 2020 and replacing him with Aminu Ado Bayero.
• ✔ Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf later reinstated Sanusi, but Ado Bayero refused to step down, reportedly with backing from Ganduje and the Federal Government.
• ✔ Tensions have eased since Governor Yusuf defected to the APC. Sanusi was recently allowed to hold Sallah Durbar without police interference.
• ✔ For Kano residents: Ganduje’s gesture signals a thaw in the emirate crisis, but the final resolution remains uncertain. Ado Bayero’s status and claims have not been formally addressed.