Former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on Tuesday publicly acknowledged Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs, in a move seen as a significant shift in the state’s traditional and political dynamics.
Ganduje made the recognition during the swearing-in ceremony of the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Murtala Sule Garo, held at the Government House in Kano.
In his remarks, the former governor addressed Sanusi by his full traditional title, drawing loud applause from dignitaries and attendees at the event.
The development marks the first time Ganduje has openly recognised Sanusi in that capacity since their widely reported rift.
Sanusi was deposed in 2020 by the Ganduje administration during his tenure as governor, a move that generated national debate. He was later reinstated by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who removed Aminu Ado Bayero, appointed by Ganduje as Sanusi’s successor.
Despite the reinstatement, Bayero had initially resisted stepping aside, amid speculation of political backing.
However, recent developments appear to signal a shift, particularly following political realignments in the state.
Sanusi has since resumed full traditional functions, including presiding over major cultural events such as the Sallah Durbar, which had previously been restricted due to security concerns.
Observers say Ganduje’s public recognition of the emir could ease lingering tensions surrounding the Kano emirship tussle and reshape alliances within the state’s political landscape.
