Nigeria's Dethroned Emir Of Kano Accepts Removal

Harboursandports.com.Lagos. One of Nigeria's most influential Muslim and traditional leaders, now former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, says he accepts his dethronement as the "will of God".

Muhammadu Sanusi II was dethroned on Monday for "insubordination", the Kano state government said. He was escorted out of the palace by security officers, and replaced by his predecessor's son, Aminu Ado Bayero.

Muhammadu Sanusi, Former Emir of Kano.

In his first comments since he was deposed, Mr Sanusi called for calm and for people to "embrace" the new emir.

"God in His infinite Wisdom had willed that I will become an emir of Kano so I was enthroned on the 8th of June 2014. I spent almost six years on the throne. But today God has also willed I will leave the throne. I have taken it in good faith," he said in a video message.

"We are calling on people to be calm. "We urge our families and children to embrace the new emir. They should protect the heritage of this house," he added.

State government officials said Mr Sanusi was removed "in order to safeguard the sanctity, culture, tradition, religion and prestige of the Kano emirate", accusing the emir of "total disrespect" of institutions and the governor's office.

But many say his sacking was politically motivated because of a protracted dispute with the governor of Kano Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.