Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly recognised Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano on Tuesday. The former governor made the acknowledgment at the swearing-in of Deputy Governor Murtala Sule Garo.
Ganduje greeted Sanusi using his full traditional title at the Government House ceremony. Dignitaries applauded the gesture loudly.
This marks Ganduje's first open recognition of Sanusi in that role since their bitter feud. Back in 2020, while governor, Ganduje had removed Sanusi from the position.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf later reinstated Sanusi after taking office. He also removed Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, whom Ganduje had installed as replacement.
Ado Bayero refused to step down, however. Observers suggested he enjoyed backing from Ganduje and federal authorities.
Political winds shifted when Governor Yusuf joined the APC months ago. The development appears to have eased tensions surrounding the emirate dispute.
Sanusi recently presided over Sallah Durbar without incident. Previously, police had invited him for questioning after violence erupted during the celebration and authorities banned the event.
Ganduje's Tuesday appearance alongside Sanusi signals a possible thaw in their relationship. The two had not publicly acknowledged each other for years.
