Confusion in Kano state as portrait of dethroned Emir, Muhammad Sanusi resurfaces in state govt house

Confusion has gripped parts of Kano State after a portrait of the dethroned 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, mysteriously appeared on the coronation hall wall of the Kano State Government House over the weekend.

This development has sparked rumors that the incumbent administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf may be considering reinstating Emir Sanusi as the sole Emir of Kano, a move that could potentially undo the creation of four additional emirates by the immediate past governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.

The contentious issue dates back to 2019 when Governor Ganduje signed a law creating four new emirates in Kano State, thereby reducing the influence of the then Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, who had control over 10 out of 44 local government areas.

This move was met with mixed reactions, and in March 2020, Sanusi was dethroned from his position as the Emir of Kano due to what was cited as “total disrespect to lawful instructions from the office of the governor.”

Over the weekend, social media platforms were abuzz with photos of the dethroned Emir’s portrait hung prominently in the state government’s coronation hall, which added fuel to the speculation that Governor Yusuf’s administration might be contemplating reinstating Sanusi as the sole Emir.

Responding to the resurfacing of the portrait, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, stated that the inclusion of the dethroned Emir’s portrait was merely part of an ongoing facelift project for the coronation hall.

“The history of the coronation hall is synonymous with the 14th Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi because it was built for his presentation of the staff of office after he was crowned as the Emir succeeding late Alhaji Ado Bayero in 2014 during the administration of Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. So, traditionally, his picture shall remain there forever. Bringing back the picture of the 14th is part of the ongoing rehabilitation to give the Coronation hall a facelift,” said Dawakin-Tofa.

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