Gov Yusuf’s Delegation Holds Meeting with Emir Sanusi Amid Emirship Dispute

Government officials for an Iftar at his palace, the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, held a closed-door meeting with a delegation from Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, fuelling speculation over the state’s stance in the ongoing emirship dispute.

The Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, confirmed the meeting in a Facebook post early Wednesday, stating that it took place at the Gidan Rumfa palace.

Present at the meeting were the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ibrahim, the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Sulaiman Wali Sani, and Dawakin Tofa himself.

“Shortly after the Iftar at the Emir’s Palace, the Governor’s delegation had a closed-door meeting with His Highness,” Dawakin Tofa wrote.

The development comes as Kano prepares for Eid-el-Fitr celebrations and the historic Sallah Durbar. The centuries-old cultural procession faces uncertainty following conflicting statements from government officials over whether it will go ahead this year, amid the unresolved legal battle between Sanusi II and Aminu Ado Bayero.

Although Governor Yusuf reinstated Sanusi II in 2024, Bayero continues to contest the dethronement in court, leaving the emirship in dispute. While the government has hinted that the controversy will soon be resolved, Tuesday night’s Iftar and the subsequent private meeting suggest strengthened ties between the state government and Sanusi II.

Many residents of Kano interpret the palace meeting as more than a religious gathering, seeing it also as a political statement. Analysts note that the Governor’s delegation attending both the Iftar and the private meeting signals the administration’s recognition of Sanusi II as Emir, despite the ongoing controversy.

As the city prepares for Sallah, attention now turns to whether the Durbar will take place and under whose authority it will be conducted.