The deposed Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II on Sunday departed Lagos State with his wives to Kaduna State amidst wild jubilation in what is his first visit to northern Nigeria after he was dethroned five months ago.
The deposed Emir departed Lagos with his aides and arrived in Kaduna, where he was received and welcomed by the State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai with a large number of followers.
Sanusi told El-Rufai that he is grateful to have in him a friend he can always count on. He thanked the Governor for standing by him and assured that he will do his best as Vice Chairman of the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA) and Chancellor of the Kaduna State University (KASU).
Meanwhile, Governor El-Rufai, welcoming Sanusi, thanked him for making Kaduna the first place he is visiting since relocating to Lagos in March.
Recall that Sanusi was sacked as Emir of Kano by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje on 9 March 2020. He had ascended the throne on 8 June 2014, following the death of his grand-uncle Ado Bayero.
After his removal, Aminu Ado Bayero was named the 15th Emir of Kano from the Fulani Sullubawa clan. He ascended the throne on 9 March 2020, following the deposition of his nephew Muhammad Sanusi II.
A close aide of Sanusi, Dr Suleiman Shinkafi said the former emir would be in Kaduna for a week to receive visitors who had wanted to come to see him.
“Since his dethronement, many people have indicated their intentions to visit him in Lagos. But the monarch decided to relief them from the stress of travelling as far as Lagos,” he stressed.
Shinkafi also said the monarch will visit Sokoto to greet the Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad before moving to Azare, Katagum where his late grandfather, Muhammad Sanusi l stayed when he was deposed by late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello.
Sanusi, who arrived the Air Force base around 10.40 am, alighted from a private plane and was immediately followed by his wives.
Some traditional title holders from Kano and Kaduna were at the Air Force base to welcome him.
Immediately the monarch entered his waiting cream coloured Rolls Royce, he was conveyed to Government House where he met with the Governor.
Sanusi’s last time in Kaduna was during the 60th birthday celebration of Governor El-Rufai.