Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II is set to be reinstated as the Emir of Kano after the Kano State House of Assembly took steps to amend the Kano State Emirs (Appointment and Deposition) Law, which former governor Abdullahi Ganduje previously used to dethrone the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II.

According to the online portal, The Leadership, Sanusi II has been reinstated and is expected in Kano on Friday, May 24.

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, was removed from his position on Monday, May 20 after a long-running dispute with the state government in 2020.

The Secretary to the State Government, Usman Alhaji, while making the announcement said the removal was in line with the recommendation of the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission.

A source who spoke to The Leadership newspaper said, “So certainly with the passage of the Bill, Sanusi automatically stands reinstated. No need for confirmation, the thing to do is wait for the Governor to assent to it.”

The Majority Leader of the Kano State House of Assembly, Lawan Hussaini Chediyar Yan Gurasa, who sponsored the Amendment Bill, shortly after Thursday’s session, revealed to journalists that “the bill has been sent to the governor for assent. Now there is no longer an active Emir in Kano in all the five Emirates; Kano, Bichi, Gaya, Rano, and Karaye. The law now provides the governor to call on the traditional kingmakers to choose a new king.”

The restructuring of the Kano Emirate at the time was a political move to diminish the influence of then Emir Sanusi II, a vocal critic of the former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje administration.

The creation of the new emirates fragmented the authority of the old Kano Emirate Council, diluting its power and influence.