Ganduje Bows To Reality, Publicly Recognises Sanusi As Emir Of Kano After Years Of Feud

Kano State– Former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has publicly recognised Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs.

Ganduje made the unexpected acknowledgment on Tuesday during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, held at the Kano Government House.

Daily Trust reports that in a moment that drew loud applause from dignitaries and political stakeholders, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full traditional title—marking his first open recognition of the former central bank governor in that capacity since their bitter fallout.

Meamwhile, the development signals a significant shift in Kano’s volatile traditional and political landscape, years after Ganduje controversially deposed Sanusi in 2020 while serving as governor.

Sanusi’s fortunes, however, changed under the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who reinstated him as Emir after removing Aminu Ado Bayero—the monarch installed by Ganduje following Sanusi’s removal.

Despite the reinstatement, Bayero refused to step aside, fuelling a prolonged royal tussle that many believed was backed by powerful political interests, including Ganduje and elements within the Federal Government.

The crisis took another twist in recent months after Governor Yusuf defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that appears to have reshaped alliances and softened political hostilities in the state.

In a further sign of shifting tides, Sanusi was recently allowed to hold the traditional Sallah Durbar—an event previously banned by authorities following security concerns.

In earlier incidents, the police had even invited the emir for questioning after violence marred the celebrations.