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, marking a major turning point in a long-standing political and traditional dispute.
The development took place on May 6, 2026, during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Deputy Governor of Kano State, Murtala Sule Garo, at the Government House in Kano. Ganduje, while addressing dignitaries, formally greeted Sanusi using his full traditional title, a gesture that drew loud applause from those in attendance.
This is the first time Ganduje has openly acknowledged Sanusi in that capacity since their highly publicised fallout while he was in office. In 2020, Ganduje had removed Sanusi as Emir, a decision that generated widespread reactions across the country and led to a prolonged leadership tussle within the Kano traditional institution.
Sanusi was later reinstated by the current Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who reversed the earlier decision and removed Aminu Ado Bayero, who had been appointed to replace Sanusi.
Despite the reinstatement, the situation remained tense, with Aminu Ado Bayero reportedly resisting the change and claims that he retained support from key political figures, including Ganduje at the time. The dispute created uncertainty around the leadership of the Kano Emirate and drew national attention.
Observers say Ganduje’s latest public recognition of Sanusi signals a possible easing of tensions and a shift in political alignment within Kano’s power structure. The move is coming amid changing political dynamics in the state, including recent developments within party structures.
Sanusi has also resumed key traditional activities, including the Sallah Durbar, which had previously been affected by security concerns and restrictions.
The latest gesture is widely seen as a symbolic but significant moment, suggesting a gradual resolution of one of Northern Nigeria’s most prominent traditional and political disputes.
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