The long-running Kano emirate dispute shifted on Tuesday after former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje openly referred to Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano during the swearing-in of new Deputy Governor Murtala Sule Garo.
The moment came at the Government House ceremony, attended by senior political and traditional leaders.
While following the order of protocol, Ganduje drew applause when he addressed Sanusi as “Your Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano,” right after acknowledging House Speaker Rt. Hon. Ismail Jibrin Falgore, who was seated beside Sanusi.
The gesture marks a sharp turn from 2020, when Ganduje, then governor, split the Kano Emirate into five separate councils and removed Sanusi from office, appointing Aminu Ado Bayero in his place.
Since Sanusi’s reinstatement following Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s inauguration, Ganduje had continued to recognize Bayero as emir while the legal battle remains pending at the Supreme Court.
After taking his oath, Garo pledged loyalty to Governor Yusuf and promised to uphold the administration’s agenda.
He thanked the governor for the appointment and the State House of Assembly for confirming him, vowing to focus on teamwork and delivering results for Kano residents.
Governor Yusuf said Garo’s selection was based on experience, political skill, and proven loyalty.
He stressed that he expects complete loyalty from his deputy, noting there is no room for anything less than 100 percent.
Yusuf urged Garo to support the government’s vision for infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and economic growth while maintaining peace in the state.
The ceremony was witnessed by former governor Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, Kano lawmakers, former and serving ministers, and presidential aide Abdulazeez Abdulazeez, among others.
