Headlines
What Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II did for Kano – Kurawa
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 14th Fulani Emir of Kano who was dethroned after a six-year reign assumed office on June 08, 2014.
In this exclusive interview with Kano Focus, Ibrahim Ado Kurawa, historian and close associate of the deposed Emir highlights some of the legacies of Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Emir’s Role
Before talking about the legacies of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II we need to understand the duties of an emir first.
An emir does not legislate, execute or adjudicate as was the case in the past.
In 1967, the military government removed their judicial powers and in 1976 local government administration was taken away from Emirs.
Therefore an emir’s duties became limited to what he is assigned to do by the government and the provision of leadership for his people.
That was how Emir Alhaji Ado Bayero lived from 1976 until his death.
By the time Muhammadu Sanusi II assumed the throne of Kano Emirate his only function was to provide leadership for his subjects.
Leadership Style
He was asked to provide leadership and everyone has his style.
Some people would keep mute when they see wrongdoing while others will speak up.
Why don’t people like to be corrected? Let them do the right thing and see if he would still criticize them.
Let his detractors come out and refute his criticisms.
Some people fail to understand that there are individual differences in leadership style.
So every Emir has a choice on whether to speak or keep silent.
Uniting the Royal Family
The first thing he did was to unite his subjects especially the royal family.
Emir Sanusi II gave royal titles to all branches of the ruling Dabo family.
These included the descendants of Emir Muhammadu Inuwa and Emir Alu Babba.
The last descendant of Emir Alu to hold a traditional title, Ahmadu Gwadabe – who was appointed Danmaje by Emir Abdullahi Bayero – died in 1967 and they were not given another title since then until the reign of Muhammadu Sanusi II.
As for Emir Muhammadu Inuwa, his descendants did not hold any title even the headship of a ward for 51 years after his death until Muhammadu Sanusi II turbaned one of them as a District Head.
He also appointed Aminu Sadik from the Dan Lawan Ayuba branch of the Abdullahi Maje Karofi royal house as the Zanna of Kano.
From the scions of Emir Sanusi I, he appointed Dan Galadima, Bunu, and Dan Buran.
No previous Emir has done this much to unite the family of Ibrahim Dabo.
Renovating Gidan Rumfa
The Kano royal palace is known as Gidan Rumfa after Emir Muhammadu Rumfa who built it about 500 years ago.
It has never been renovated as it was done during the reign of Muhammadu Sanusi II.
He modernized every nook and cranny of the palace, which is a no mean achievement.
Family Law Bill
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi has done what no Emir has done in the history of Kano by drafting a bill on Islamic Family law.
He gathered a large number of Islamic scholars who spent three years poring over books on Islamic Shari’a to draft the act for a law to regulate the Islamic family in Kano state.
It covers aspects such as marriage, family support, childcare, and divorce.
Most Educated Emir
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi was the most educated emir in the history of Kano in both Islamic and formal education.
That was why he tackled controversial issues to help in resolving them using his vast knowledge.
He also had a wealth of experience in public service culminating in his appointment as Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria.
He used his knowledge and experience to gain access to international organizations and associations.
Economic Development
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II used his connections to spur the economic development of Kano state.
The African Development Bank engaged in an Industrial Diagnostics of Kano and developed an economic development blueprint for the state.
This is usually reserved for countries.
He brought Chinese investors to set up a $300million textile industry in Kano.
He brought another company “Baban Kowa”, which provides farmers with seeds and inputs as well as buy the produce after harvest.
He also brought Black Rhinos who will set-up a solar power plant worth $100million in Kano.
He had already arranged an agreement with the Federal Government and the contract has been signed.
Defender of the people
These show that his main interest in being a monarch went beyond the paraphernalia of office such algaita, kakaki, and tambari.
He had a plan for the development of his people.
That is why he was always vocal in any matter concerning Kano in particular and Nigeria in general.
He was instrumental in protecting the interests of his fellow Fulani when they were being stereotyped as aggressors in the frequent clashes between farmers and animal herders.
That is why Fulani associations love him very much.
Man of Peace
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II deserves commendation concerning the peaceful manner he handled his dethronement.
He averted riots in Kano by instructing his followers to leave everything to Allah and accept his successor.
Many thought he would resist or seek legal redress but he forgave and ask the people to obey whoever his successor might be.
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, alongside his Edo State counterpart, Governor Monday Okpebholo, on Monday visited the Torankawa community in Kano to commiserate with the families of the 16 victims brutally killed in Uromi, Edo State.
The visit, which brought together key government officials and community leaders, was aimed at reassuring the affected families of the government’s commitment to securing justice and providing necessary support.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss and reiterated his demand for the swift prosecution of those responsible.
He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
“This visit is not just about condolence; it is about reaffirming our commitment to justice. The families of these victims deserve more than words—they deserve action. We will not rest until every perpetrator is brought to book, publicly paraded, and held accountable,” Governor Yusuf stated.
He further urged the Edo State Government to expedite the promised compensation for the victims’ families, emphasizing that the loss of breadwinners had left many households in distress.
On his part, Governor Okpebholo extended his heartfelt condolences, assuring the families that his administration was working tirelessly with security agencies to ensure justice is served.
“I want to personally assure you that we are treating this case with the urgency it deserves. Edo is home to all Nigerians, and this kind of violence will not be tolerated. The security agencies have made significant progress, and I assure you that justice will be swift,” Governor Okpebholo said.
Community leaders in Torankawa expressed gratitude for the visit, acknowledging that it had helped ease tensions and restore confidence in the government’s commitment to their welfare.
Governor Yusuf reaffirmed that his administration would continue to follow up on the case until justice is fully served.
In his response, His Highness Amb. Muhammad Isa Umar, the emir of Kano on behalf of the community, appreciated the two Governors for thier proactiveness in handling the unfortunate incidence.
Edo Killings: Gov Okpebholo visits Kano, pledges compensation for travelers
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Governor Monday Okpebholo, accompanied by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, paid condolence visit to the families of the 16 northern travelers killed in Uromi, Edo State.
KANO FOCUS reports that youths and women on Monday took to the streets in Bunkure Local Government Area, welcoming the visiting governor accompanied by governor of Kano.
At Torankawa, Governor Okpebholo assured the families that compensation would be provided and reiterated his commitment to ensuring that justice is served.
On his part, Governor Yusuf pledged cash assistance and food supplies to the affected families, though he did not specify the exact amounts or quantities.
Both governors reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice and that such incidents do not occur again.
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
In a fervent Eid-el-Fitr sermon at Kofar Mata Eid Ground the Emir of Kano, His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, delivered a stern sermon prayer to individuals within Kano collaborating with external forces to destabilize the city’s peace and stability.
He decried such acts of betrayal and disloyalty, urging the populace to remain vigilant and united against these threats.
The Emir condemned those conspiring with outsiders to foment unrest in Kano, asserting that divine justice would prevail upon them. He said.
“There are people among us who have sold their conscience, joining hands with outsiders to threaten the peace of Kano. Let me remind them—Allah (SWT) will deal with them just as He dealt with those who betrayed Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in his time.”
These emphatic remarks come amid escalating political tensions, with reports of external interference in Kano’s traditional and governance structures.
The Emir urged citizens to dismiss provocations, remain steadfast in prayer, and stay alert to the machinations of traitors.
He emphasized that Kano’s strength lies in its unity and cautioned that anyone plotting against the state would face both divine and communal repercussions.
Concluding his sermon, the Emir invoked Allah’s protection over Kano and called on the people to remain resolute in faith and resistance.
He implored, “May Allah expose and disgrace those who conspire against our peace. May He strengthen the righteous and silence the voices of division.”
Edo, Kano Governors Visit Torankawa Community, Assure Justice for Uromi Victims
Edo Killings: Gov Okpebholo visits Kano, pledges compensation for travelers
K-SAFE felicitates Muslims on Eid-el-Fitr
Is Nyesom Wike a Politician or an Ideological Opportunist?
Kano develops 2025 AOP for education sector
Book Review: Quintessential Elegance in Islamic Scholarship, Sheikh Ibrahim Khaleel
Emir Sanusi II Calls for Justice Over Killing of Kano Indigenes in Edo
Kwankwaso condemns killing of Northern travelers in Edo
Emir Sanusi II Warns Against Internal Betrayal and External Meddling in Kano
