A portrait of the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II has reappeared in the Kano State Government House stirring controversy among residents.
The picture, which has been trending on social media, was openly removed by the supporters of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje after declaration of Ganduje as the winner of rerun governorship election in Kano in 2019.
It was, however, seen hanging on the coronation hall wall of Kano State Government house, generating wide reactions and setting tongues wagging in the ancient city of Kano.
It could be recalled that the new state Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had promised to revisit the Sanusi removal saga.
Although the state government had severally denied moves to reinstate Sanusi, many wonder if the recent reappearance of the 14th Emir at the main coronation hall may be part of plans to reinstate Sanusi as the sole Emir of Kano instead of the existing five Emirs.
Reacting to the portrait, however, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, in a statement, said placing the portrait of the dethroned Emir in the coronation hall was merely part of its ongoing facelift of the hall, adding that the hall is synonymous to him.
Dawakin-Tofa said: “The history of the coronation hall is synonymous to the 14th emir of Kano Malam Muhammadu Sanusi because it was built for his presentation of staff of office after he was crowned as the emir succeeding late Alhaji Ado Bayero in 2014 during the administration of Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
“So traditionally, his picture shall remain there forever. Bringing back the picture of the 14th is part of the ongoing rehabilitation to give the Coronation hall a face lift.”
Sanusi, it could be recalled, was deposed and banished by the former governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.
Ganduje further went ahead and unbundled the Kano Emirate, creating four more Emirates instead of the long-standing one.
The five Emirate Councils include Kano, Rano, Karaye, Bichi and Gaya with the Emir of Kano as the Chairman of the State Councils of Emirs.
