Barely hours after hosting top government officials to an Iftar at his palace, the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, held a closed-door meeting with a delegation from Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, deepening speculation about the state’s position in the ongoing emirship dispute.

The Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, confirmed the meeting in a Facebook post early Wednesday, saying it held at the Gidan Rumfa palace.

He said at the meeting were the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ibrahim, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Sulaiman Wali Sani, and himself.

Dawakin Tofa wrote: “Shortly after the Iftar at Emir’s Palace, the Governor’s delegation had a closed door meeting with His Highness.”

The development comes as Kano prepares for the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations and the historic Sallah Durbar.

The Durbar, a centuries-old cultural procession, has been thrown into uncertainty following conflicting statements from government officials on whether it will hold this year, given the unresolved legal battle between Sanusi II and Aminu Ado Bayero.

While Governor Yusuf reinstated Sanusi II in 2024, Bayero continues to contest his dethronement in court, leaving the emirship in dispute.

The government recently hinted that the stool controversy will soon be resolved but Tuesday night’s Iftar and subsequent meeting appear to signal stronger ties between the state government and Sanusi II.

Many Kano residents see the palace meeting beyond a religious observance, but also a political statement.

Analysts say the Governor’s delegation’s presence at both the Iftar and the private meeting underscores the administration’s recognition of Sanusi II as Emir, despite the controversy.

As the city braces for Sallah, attention now shifts to whether the durbar will proceed, and under whose authority it will be led. (Daily Trust)