Sanusi removed as emir of Kano

Muhammadu Sanusi II has been deposed as the emir of Kano “for total disrespect to lawful instructions from the office of the governor”.

This was announced at a special sitting of the Kano executive council chaired by Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of the state.

Usman Alhaji, secretary to the state government, said the removal was with immediate effect.

“The Kano State Executive Council under the Chairmanship of His Excellency the Governor of Kano State Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje OFR has unanimously approved the immediate removal/dethronement of the Emir of Kano Emirate Muhammad Sunusi II,” Alhaji said in a statement.

“The Emir of Kano is in total disrespect to lawful instructions from the office of the state Governor and other lawful authorities, including his persistent refusal to attend official meetings and programmes organized by the Government without any lawful justification which amount to total insubordination.

“It is on record and in so many instances Malam Muhammad Sunusi II has been found breaching part 3 section 13 (a e) of the Kano State Emirate Law 2019 and which if left unchecked will destroy the good and established image of the Kano Emirate.

“This removal is made after due consultation with the relevant stakeholders and in compliance with part 3 section 13 of the Kano State Emirate Law 2019 and other reasons stated above.

“The removal was reached in order to safeguard the sanctity, culture, tradition, religion and prestige of the Kano Emirate built over a thousand years.”

Alhaji added that a new emir of Kano would be appointed soon.

He ascended the throne on June 8, 2014, following the death of al-Haji  Ado Bayero, who reigned from 1963 till his death in 2014.

The dethroned monarch served as the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2009 to 2014, when he was suspended by ex-President Goodluck Jonathan under controversial circumstances.