Ganduje dethrones Emir of Kano for alleged insubordination ending their year-long spat

GOVERNOR Abdullahi Ganduje has finally dethroned the emir of Kano Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II bringing about an end to the year-long spat between the two leaders which began when the monarch appeared to oppose the governor's re-election.

Last year, Governor Ganduje was caught on film accepting dollar notes from a contractor to the Kano State governor, leading to widespread calls for his resignation. However, the governor not only defied these calls but went on to stand for re-election and won in controversial circumstances after a by-election in certain wards where polling had been originally cancelled.

Since being sworn-in last may, the governor has gone after all those he considered behind the plot and Emir Sanusi, who is considered one of his main opponents, has been in his sights for a while. Last year, the governor tried to split the Kano emirate into four and when that failed, he got the emir indicted for the mismanagement of funds.

Earlier today, the spat finally came to a head when the Kano State government dethroned the emir over what it described as disrespect to lawful instructions from Governor Ganduje and other authorities. This morning, the Kano State Council presided over by the governor, took the decision, which was announced by Alhaji Usman Alhaji, the secretary to the Kano State government.

Alhaji Alhaji said: “The Kano State executive council, under the chairmanship of the incumbent governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has unanimously approved the immediate removal/dethronement of the Emir of Kano, Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II. 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 organised by the government without any justification which amount to total insubordination.

“It is on record and in so many instances, Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi 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.

“The removal is reached in order to safeguard the sanctity, culture, tradition, religion and prestige of the Kano Emirate built over a thousand years. His Excellency, Dr Ganduje calls on the general public to remain calm, law-abiding and to go about their normal businesses, while a new Emir of Kano Emirate will soon be appointed."