By Marvellous Nyang
May 24, 2024
Amid notable political tension within Kano State, Muhammadu Sanusi II, the deposed Emir of Kano, resumed his position with a display of fortitude and determination, marked by ceremonial formality.
In a breathtaking display of resilience and unwavering resolve, the reinstated Emir of Kano, reclaimed his throne in the middle of a spectacle of vibrant regalia and ceremonial grandeur.
The northern state of Kano, steeped in tradition and history, bore witness to a momentous occasion as Mr Sanusi addressed the very people who had ousted him from his revered position four years prior.
The saga began in 2020 when Mr Sanusi was unceremoniously deposed from his role as the traditional Muslim leader of Kano.
The reasons cited were his perceived “insubordination” to the authorities, amidst speculation that his outspoken opposition to the re-election bid of Kano’s then-governor played a significant role in his removal.
A former central bank chief, Mr Sanusi’s dismissal reverberated throughout Nigeria, sparking debates about power dynamics and political manoeuvring.
However, destiny had other plans for Mr. Sanusi.
In a dramatic turn of events, he was reappointed to his esteemed position by the current Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Governor Yusuf, during his 2023 gubernatorial campaign, had vowed to restore Mr Sanusi to his rightful place, thus fulfilling a promise that resonated deeply with many supporters of the revered leader.
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The reinstatement ceremony, held at the Kano State Government house, was a spectacle to behold.
Amidst chants of celebration and prayers, Mr Sanusi expressed his gratitude to Governor Yusuf, state legislators, and the people of Kano for their unwavering support.
Addressing those who had orchestrated his downfall, Mr Sanusi remarked with stoic resolve, “Those who did that are not worthy of me talking about what they did.”
Yet, the journey back to the throne was fraught with obstacles. Just hours before the ceremony, a Federal High Court issued a last-minute order, halting the state government’s plans to abolish the five emirates created during the tenure of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
This decision, aimed at reverting to a system where only one emir ruled Kano, faced opposition from within the Kano emirate itself, adding a layer of complexity to an already contentious situation.
Governor Yusuf, undeterred by the court’s intervention, boldly declared his refusal to acknowledge the ruling, questioning the jurisdiction of a judge based in the United States. In a defiant display of state sovereignty, Governor Yusuf proclaimed, “Our laws are in place, and they will not change.”
Mr Sanusi’s journey to reinstatement symbolized more than just a return to power; it represented a reaffirmation of Kano’s centuries-old tradition of emir rule. Despite frosty relations with former Governor Ganduje and accusations of “total disrespect” towards local institutions, Mr Sanusi’s reclamation of the throne signalled a triumph of resilience over adversity.
As the dust settled and Kano embraced its restored emir, the streets buzzed with mixed reactions. While some, like resident Idris SR Dawanau expressed jubilation at Mr Sanusi’s return, others, such as Lawal Najeef, voiced concerns about the upheaval caused by the reinstatement.
In the heart of Nigeria’s cultural and political landscape, Muhammadu Sanusi II’s journey from dethronement to reinstatement served as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of tradition, the complexities of governance, and the unwavering spirit of resilience.
