A close associate of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has disclosed the reason behind the monarch’s absence at the funeral of former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday.
According to Muhammadu Dallatu, the Emir was away on an official assignment in the United Kingdom and is expected back in Nigeria today (Wednesday).
“The Emir will not attend. He’s not even in the country. He travelled to London for an official engagement and is expected back on Wednesday,” Dallatu confirmed.
Further findings by Hobnob News indicate that Emir Sanusi participated in the 2025 Access Bank Polo Tournament held in Surrey, England, over the weekend. He was spotted at the prestigious event alongside international dignitaries, including England’s national football manager Thomas Tuchel.
In contrast, the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, attended the state funeral held in Daura. Speaking with Hobnob News, his spokesperson Abubakar Naisa confirmed the development.
“Yes, His Highness Aminu Ado Bayero left Kano this (Tuesday) morning for Daura to pay his last respects. He is attending the burial alongside the Emirs of Kazaure and Dutse,” Naisa stated.
The Kano Emirate remains embroiled in a leadership tussle following the reinstatement of Sanusi II by Governor Abba Yusuf in May 2024, after the repeal of the 2019 Emirate Council Law which had divided Kano into five emirates under the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
The previously deposed Sanusi had been replaced by Ado Bayero, his nephew, who continues to occupy the main palace and insists the matter must be settled legally.
As the political and traditional dynamics in Kano unfold, Sanusi’s absence from the late president’s burial underscores the broader tensions and evolving roles within Nigeria’s northern traditional institutions.
