Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf was absent on Sunday when the Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, visited the Government House for the traditional Sallah homage.
The event, known as Hawan Nasarawa, is usually held on the third day of Sallah. It is a long-standing tradition in which the governor receives the emir, who then proceeds through parts of the city to greet residents.
This year, however, the protocol differed. Instead of the governor, the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Jibril Falgore, received the emir.
The ceremony also took place in a different hall, rather than the usual “Africa House.”
The governor’s absence has sparked debate, particularly as he reportedly attended a similar durbar in Gaya Emirate a day earlier.
Although the state government has not officially explained the change, some insiders said “the governor was attending another meeting within the Government House” at the time of the emir’s visit.
Other sources claimed he “was in Lagos for another engagement” during the event.
The governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, could not be reached for comment, and there is no official statement from the government as yet.
Since the defection of Abba Kabir Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in January 2026, there has been uneasy speculation regarding who would be the government’s certified emir.
The reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II and the removal of Aminu Ado Bayero have caused tensions since the inception of the current administration.
The government, backed by Kwankwasiyya and former presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, had stood by Emir Sanusi.
However, the change of loyalty from the New Nigeria Peoples Democratic to the APC has cast a shadow of doubt over the continued support for the monarch.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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