News
Detroned In A Day: Emir Sanusi Not First To Be Reinstated
By Sunday Isuwa
In the rich tapestry of Kano Emirate’s history, the dethronement and disposition of Sarkis (Emirs) have shaped the course of power and governance.
From the earliest recorded cases to the recent controversies, these instances have left an indelible mark on the socio-political landscape of Kano.
We delve into the annals of time to explore the historical accounts of dethronement in the Kano Emirate, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding each event and the lasting impact they have had on the emirate.
1. Guguwa Dan Gijimasu – The First Dethroned Sarki (1247-1290)
The annals of history reveal that Guguwa Dan Gijimasu was the first recorded Sarki to be dethroned in Kano. His reign, which spanned from 1247 to 1290, was marked by challenges and internal conflicts that ultimately led to his disposition.
2. Dakauta Dan Abdullahi Baja – A Short-Lived Reign (1452)
Dakauta Dan Abdullahi Baja’s tenure as Sarki was tragically short-lived, lasting only a single day. The circumstances surrounding his swift removal from power remain shrouded in mystery.
3. Sarki Atuma Dan Dakauta – The Seven-Day Rule (1452)
Succeeding his father, Dakauta, Sarki Atuma Dan Dakauta’s reign lasted a mere seven days in 1452. His abrupt removal from the throne further deepened the intrigue surrounding the dethronement of Kano Emirs.
4. Sarki Yakubu Dan Kisoke – A Tale of Reinstatement and Decline (1565)
Sarki Yakubu Dan Kisoke’s rule, which lasted for four months and twenty-nine days, was marred by controversy. Although initially dethroned in 1565, he was offered reinstatement. However, Yakubu Dan Kisoke declined the offer and chose to live in a place that would later be known as Yakufawa.
5. Dauda Abasama – Following in His Father’s Footsteps (1565)
Dauda Abasama, the son of Sarki Yakubu Dan Kisoke, faced a similar fate as his father. After ruling Kano for just 50 days, he was deposed and settled in the village of Kwarmashe.
6. Sarki Abubarkar Kado Dan Rumfa – The Pious Ruler (1565-1573)
Sarki Abubarkar Kado Dan Rumfa’s reign was marked by piety and devotion. However, his eight-and-a-half-year rule came to an abrupt end when he was dethroned in 1573.
7. Sarki Alhaji Dan Kutumbi – Settlement in Dan-Zaki (1648-1649)
Sarki Alhaji Dan Kutumbi’s reign was short-lived, lasting only from 1648 to 1649. After his dethronement, he settled in the village of Dan-Zaki in Gezawa.
8. Sarki Kukuna Dan Alhaji – A Roller Coaster Reign (1651-1652)
Sarki Kukuna Dan Alhaji’s rule was marked by highs and lows. Initially dethroned after a year, he was reinstated three months later. Kukuna Dan Alhaji went on to rule Kano for another eight years and seven months.
9. Sarki Soyaki Dan Shekarau – A Brief Stint (1652)
Sarki Soyaki Dan Shekarau’s reign lasted a mere three months before he was sacked in 1652. He subsequently resided in Dakurawa.
10. A Long Interlude and the British Intervention (1652-1903)
Following the dethronement in 1652, the Kano Emirate experienced a significant period of relief from removals, lasting for 250 years. However, in 1903, the British dethroned Sarkin Kano Alu, taking him to Yola and later Lokoja, where he died in the 1920s.
11. The Removal of Ag Sarki Waziri Allah (1909)
In 1909, Mr. Temple, the British residential officer in Kano, deposed Ag Sarki Waziri Allah, further highlighting the influence of colonial powers on the dethronement of Kano Emirs.
12. Sarkin Kano Sanusi I – Financial Misappropriation and Deposition (1953-1963)
Sarkin Kano Sanusi I faced a tumultuous reign that ultimately led to his deposition in 1963. Indicted for financial misappropriation by the Muffet Committee of Enquiry, Sanusi I was taken to Azare and later relocated to Wudil, where he passed away in 1991. His removal highlighted the challenges faced by Emirs in navigating the complexities of governance and accountability.
13. Sarkin Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II – A Controversial Disposition (2020)
In a more recent and highly controversial event, Sarkin Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II was deposed by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on March 9, 2020. The circumstances surrounding his removal were widely debated, with allegations of political motivations and clashes between traditional and political powers. Sanusi II was subsequently taken to Loko in Nasarawa state. He was taken to Lagos by friends, where he was living, moving around other states of Nigeria and abroad.
14. The Kano Emirate Council Law (Repeal Bill) of 2024
The Kano state house of assembly passed the Kano Emirate Council Law (repeal bill) 2024 on Thursday 23 May, 20214 which was signed by the state Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf (Abba Gida Gida) helping for a return of Emir Sanusi to the throne.
This also is having a significant implications for the emirate. The law abrogated the establishment of five new emirates in the state, and all offices established under the repealed law were set aside. This legislative action further shaped the power dynamics within the Kano Emirate.
15. Uncertain Future: Reinstatement or Permanent Exclusion?
The dethronement of Sarkin Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II raises questions about his potential reinstatement and the course of his future.
Many thought he would follow in the footsteps of Sarki Yakubu Dan Kisoke and decline the offer of reinstatement. But he has taken steps like Sarki Kukuna Dan Alhaji, after being given a second chance to rule, he has accepted the letter of appointment from Governor Abba Kabir, despite an earlier court order restraining the action of the Governor.
The history of dethronement in the Kano Emirate is a testament to the ever-evolving dynamics of power and authority. From the earliest recorded cases to the recent controversies, each dethronement has left an indelible mark on the emirate’s history. The stories of Sarkis who faced removal and their subsequent lives in exile or settlement reflect the intricate interplay between tradition, politics, and colonial influence.
As the Kano Emirate moves forward, the legacy of dethroned Sarkis serves as a reminder of the challenges and responsibilities that come with leadership in a changing world.
News
Rising Political Tension: Wife Of Rivers State Head Of Service, George Nwaeke Pleads For Her husband’s Safety
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
The escalating political crisis in Rivers State took a dramatic turn on Friday as Florence Nwaeke, wife of former state Head of Service George Nwaeke, voiced deep concerns over her husband’s whereabouts.
Fighting back tears, she appealed to the public, revealing she had lost contact with him and feared for his life.
According to Mrs Nwaeke, her husband had travelled to Abuja and confirmed his arrival via a phone call. However, subsequent events took a baffling turn when reports surfaced of an unexpected interview attributed to him. The news left her in shock, as she insisted the statements made were uncharacteristic of her husband.
“I was confused when I heard he had given an interview. I asked myself, ‘An interview about what?’ That was not my husband speaking,” she said, overwhelmed with emotion.
Fearing for his safety, Mrs Nwaeke attempted to reach her husband multiple times but received no response.
“I sent him messages asking if he was under duress, if he had been kidnapped, but there was no reply,” she recounted. “His phone is off, and I do not know where he is. Nigerians, please help me!”
Her plea for help emerged just hours after Mr Nwaeke’s interview, in which he accused Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of secretly backing Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed for the 2027 presidential election. He also claimed Fubara had encouraged militants to stage attacks, allegations that sent shockwaves through the political landscape.
In a subsequent video, Mrs Nwaeke made a direct appeal to Governor Fubara, imploring him to intervene and ensure her husband’s safety.
“Governor Fubara, please help me. My husband is in trouble,” she cried. “He has been forced to say things he knows nothing about. He resigned just to protect himself.”
Her statement suggested that Mr Nwaeke may have been pressured into making claims against the governor, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding political crisis.
Governor Fubara quickly dismissed the allegations, insinuating that Mr Nwaeke had been either bribed or coerced into making false statements.
“The truth is that Dr Nwaeke has been compromised,” Fubara asserted in a statement. “He is only making these claims to fulfil promises to those who have either paid him or forced him into this.”
To support his counterclaim, the governor released purported screenshots of conversations between Mr Nwaeke and his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie.
These messages suggested that Mr Nwaeke had previously sought financial assistance and political backing, allegedly citing a monthly income of N500,000 as inadequate.
Meanwhile, the public awaits further developments, hoping for Mr Nwaeke’s safe return and a resolution to the escalating crisis.
Petrol tanker explosions in Nigeria have become a pressing concern, with alarming statistics revealing that no fewer than 555 people lost their lives between January 2020 and January 2025. Data from the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has highlighted the severity of these incidents, prompting urgent discussions on safety measures and regulations.
According to Joyce Alexander, the Sector Commander of the FRSC in Anambra State, these fatal accidents have caused extensive loss of life and destruction of property.
Speaking at a town hall meeting on “Tanker and Trailer Safety Challenges in Nigeria” in Awka, she outlined the staggering figures:
2020: 18 tanker explosions, 161 deaths.
2021: 19 tanker explosions, 55 fatalities.
2022: 14 tanker explosions, 76 deaths.
2023: 13 tanker explosions, 118 fatalities.
2024: 13 tanker explosions, 85 casualties.
January 2025: 7 recorded tanker explosions.
Recognising the severity of the situation, the FRSC has proposed several strategies to curb tanker-related accidents:
Strict Enforcement of Speed Limits: Ensuring that haulage vehicles are equipped with speed-limiting devices.
Regular Training for Drivers: Educating tanker operators on road safety measures and responsible driving habits.
Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance: Mandating periodic checks to identify and fix mechanical faults before tankers hit the road.
Legislative Action: Introducing harsher penalties for tanker owners who fail to comply with safety standards.
Establishing Rest Areas: Providing designated stops to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
Uche Noah, a Chief Superintendent of Police and the Divisional Police Officer of ‘B’ Division, Awka, urged drivers to avoid alcohol and illicit substances while on duty, which significantly contribute to road accidents.
By Amina Samuel, Kaduna
The Catholic Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, has commended Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for fostering an inclusive government and uniting the people of the state.
Speaking at the 2025 Kaduna North Annual Deanery Cathedraticum, Archbishop Ndagoso praised Governor Sani’s leadership, contrasting it with the divisive policies of the previous administration under Nasir el-Rufai.
“The past administration divided the people; many did not feel a sense of belonging across the senatorial districts,” Ndagoso said.
“The past government acknowledged only a selected few, but in the last two years, Governor Uba Sani has bridged the gap created by his predecessor.”
The Archbishop urged the Catholic community to focus on their faith rather than the shortcomings of individual priests.
“Nobody is perfect, and no one should judge another. We should learn to adjust our ways and look at Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for mankind,” he said.
Ndagoso also commended the lay faithful for their unwavering support of the archdiocese and called on Kaduna residents and Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence regardless of religion or ethnicity.
Similarly, Lt. Col. G.O.I, Parish Priest of the Chaplaincy of St Peter’s Ribadu Cantonment, expressed gratitude to the Archbishop for selecting his parish to host this year’s Cathedraticum.