Reinstated Emir Sanusi II abruptly exits Rivers economic summit amid reports of his reinstatement as Kano's traditional ruler. Rivers governor congratulates him, urging the Kano people's support and justice for the revered throne.
In a dramatic sequence of events, the recently reinstated Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, made a hasty departure from an economic summit in Port Harcourt, shortly after news broke of his reinstatement as the traditional ruler of the ancient city.
Sanusi, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, was delivering a keynote speech at the Rivers State Economic and Investment Summit when reports emerged about his reinstatement as the 14th Emir of Kano. Eyewitnesses at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre, the venue of the summit, described a scene of heightened security and confusion as Sanusi's entourage hurriedly exited the premises, making it impossible for journalists to engage with him.
The news of Sanusi's reinstatement was initially reported by LEADERSHIP, a Nigerian newspaper, triggering a flurry of reactions and speculation about the implications of this development. Sanusi, a prominent figure known for his reformist views and outspoken criticism, was dethroned as the Emir of Kano in March 2020, a move that was widely criticized by his supporters.
In the wake of the reinstatement reports, Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara issued a statement congratulating Sanusi and hailing the decision as a correction of past wrongs. Fubara commended the Kano State government for listening to the aspirations of its people and urged them to support Sanusi's reign.
"His reinstatement by the Kano State government at this time showed that Muhammad Sanusi II's dethronement on March 9, 2020, was against the wishes and aspirations of the great people of Kano State, and therefore, an unjust act to the millions of people who believed in his reign while on the revered throne," Fubara's statement read.
The governor also called on Sanusi, who is the spiritual leader of the Tijanniyah Sufi order in Nigeria, to lead the over 50 million adherents with "love, wisdom, and courage," while bringing lasting peace, justice, equity, and fairness to the city of Kano.
As the news of Sanusi's reinstatement continues to unfold, attention now shifts to the legal implications and potential challenges that may arise, as well as the broader dynamics between traditional institutions and governmental authorities in Nigeria.
Source: Leadership
