ABUJA, Nigeria — Human rights activist and former federal lawmaker Shehu Sani has alleged that Muhammadu Sanusi II, the recently reinstated Emir of Kano, supported and encouraged tyranny in Kaduna State.
This accusation comes amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the Kano Emirate Council.
Sanusi, who ascended to the throne after his tenure as governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), was dethroned in March 2020 by the immediate past governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje.
Shortly after his dethronement, former governor Nasir El-Rufai appointed Sanusi vice-chairman of the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency board and Chancellor of Kaduna State University.
In a post on his official X handle on Monday, May 27, 2024, Sani acknowledged that Sanusi was a victim of tyranny in Kano but accused him of supporting similar actions in Kaduna.
“Lamido fought against tyranny in Kano State, became a victim of tyranny in Kano State and supported, identified with, and encouraged our own tyranny in Kaduna State,” Sani tweeted.
Lamido fought against tyranny in Kano State,became a victim of tyranny in Kano State and supported,identified with and encouraged our own tyranny in Kaduna State.
— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) May 27, 2024
Sanusi’s reinstatement as the Emir of Kano by the current governor, Abba Yusuf, has reignited debates over his previous actions and alliances.
Sanusi’s detractors, including Sani, argue that his support for El-Rufai’s administration undermines his stance against tyranny.
The accusations by Sani have added a new layer to the complex political and traditional dynamics in Kano.
Sanusi’s supporters maintain that his actions were in the best interest of promoting investment and education in Kaduna.
However, critics view his appointments in Kaduna as indicative of his complicity in policies they deem repressive.
Sanusi’s return to the throne follows the Kano State Government’s recent dissolution of four new emirates created by Ganduje, restoring the Kano Emirate to its pre-2019 status.
This move has led to legal and political tensions, with multiple court orders and conflicting directives.
The reinstated Emir of Kano has yet to publicly respond to Sani’s accusations.
Meanwhile, the political atmosphere in Kano remains charged as the government and traditional institutions navigate the implications of the recent changes.
