Sanusi to Remain Emir of Kano Despite Governor Yusuf’s Defection to APC
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has firmly dismissed speculations that Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II could be removed from the throne following the governor’s recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the emir’s position remains secure and unchanged.
Governor Rules Out Any Plan to Remove Sanusi
Reacting to renewed public debate surrounding the long-running Kano emirate crisis, Governor Yusuf, through his spokesman, Sanusi Bature, said there was “absolutely no plan or agreement” to alter the status of Emir Sanusi.
“There is no plan to replace Emir Sanusi on the throne of Kano,” Bature said. “He was duly appointed in line with the repealed emirates law, and the governor’s defection to the APC will not in any way change the status quo.”
Akahi News gathered that the governor described claims of a possible removal as unfounded rumours being circulated by individuals bent on destabilising Kano State.
Background of the Kano Emirate Crisis
Kano has been embroiled in an unprecedented royal standoff for nearly two years, with Emir Sanusi II and Emir Aminu Ado Bayero laying claim to the same traditional stool. Sanusi operates from the historic Gidan Rumfa palace, while Bayero has remained at the Nassarawa mini-palace, both enjoying support from rival political interests.
Sanusi was deposed in March 2020 by former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and replaced with Bayero. However, Governor Yusuf reinstated Sanusi in May 2024 following the repeal of the Kano State Emirates Councils Law 2019, which had created five emirates and was widely seen as instrumental to Sanusi’s initial removal.
Defection Sparks Fresh Speculation
Speculation intensified earlier this week after Governor Yusuf defected to the APC, aligning politically with Ganduje, a known supporter of Bayero. The move also marked a major political break between Yusuf and his former ally, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, whose influence was believed to have played a role in Sanusi’s reinstatement.
These developments fuelled rumours that the emirate dispute could be revisited as part of broader political realignments within the APC.
Government Insists Emirate Is Non-Partisan
Addressing the speculation, the governor’s spokesman stressed that the traditional institution should not be politicised.
“The emirate issue is not a political decision. It is the personal interest of some individuals,” Bature said, adding that the government had no intention of amending the existing law governing the emirate.
He also appealed to the camp of the former emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, to prioritise peace and stability in Kano State, urging all parties to desist from actions capable of reigniting tensions.
Legal Battle Still Pending
Beyond political manoeuvring, the emirate crisis remains before the courts. A legal challenge instituted by Alhaji Aminu Babba Danagundi, a prominent figure in the Bayero camp, is currently awaiting final determination at the Supreme Court.
Observers note that the legal outcome could play a decisive role in resolving the prolonged dispute, even as political actors continue to trade words.
Mixed Reactions from Residents
Residents of Kano have expressed mixed reactions to the governor’s assurances. While some welcomed the clarity, others warned that continued politicisation of the emirate could undermine traditional institutions and public peace.
Analysts say Governor Yusuf’s latest statement may help douse rising tensions, but lasting resolution will depend on legal clarity and sustained commitment to keeping traditional institutions above partisan politics.
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