Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II Reinstated as Emir of Kano Amidst Controversial Political Shifts

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, the former Central Bank Governor and deposed Emir of Kano, has been reinstated as the Emir of Kano, igniting widespread discussions on social media. This reinstatement follows the Kano State House of Assembly’s decision to abolish the four new Emirates created in 2019 under former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, effectively reversing the law that led to Sanusi II‘s ouster in 2020.

The Kano State House of Assembly passed ‘The Kano State Emirates Councils (Repeal) Bill, 2024,’ which dissolved the additional emirates of Rano, Karaye, Gaya, and Bichi. This legislative move underscores a significant political shift in Kano, highlighting the governor’s commitment to his campaign promises and the traditional structure of the Kano Emirate.

Sanusi‘s reinstatement is seen as automatic with the bill’s passage, and sources indicate he will return to Kano on Friday. Although no official statement has been made regarding his reinstatement, the Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media to the state governor, Kwankwason Tuwita, confirmed the bill’s passage on X.

The 2019 law that created the new emirates was contentious, causing a rift between then-Governor Ganduje and Sanusi II, ultimately leading to Sanusi’s deposition. Sanusi‘s return signifies a major political shift in Kano, reaffirming the traditional structure of the Kano Emirate.

Reactions to this news have been mixed. Some celebrate Sanusi II‘s return to his rightful place as the Emir of Kano, while others question the political implications and the future of the dissolved emirates.