UPDATED: Ganduje Dethrones Emir Sanusi

The Governor Abdullahi Ganduje-led Kano State government has dethroned the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.

Sanusi’s dethronement came after the Kano State Executive Council unanimously approved his removal at a sitting on Monday.

There is now water-tight security at the ancient city of Kano following the Emir’s removal.

Earlier, the Kano House of Assembly at the commencement of plenary on Monday received a report recommending the removal of Emir Sanusi II.

The Emir’s removal has now created apprehension in Kano as some residents have taken over the palace.

His loyalists who initially tried to foil moves to remove him had surrounded the palace early Monday morning.

It would be recalled that last week, a petition presented to the House by a group calling for the investigation of the Emir for alleged violation of culture and tradition of Kano.

However, at the state assembly, it was a free-for-all on Monday when the Deputy Speaker and chairman of the Public Complaints and Petition Committee, Hamisu Ibrahim Chidari, raised observation over the ongoing investigation of petitions against the Kano Emir.

Attempts by lawmakers of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party to prevent any consideration of petitions against the emir on the floor of the house resulted into a commotion.

A heated debate ensued which resulted into a physical combat, as the opposition members struggled to take control of the mace.

In the process, the mace was instantly rescued by security men and the Sergeant at Arm attached to the Assembly.

The lawmakers engaged in fisticuffs that lasted for about 25 minutes before the House was restored back to normalcy and went for a 30 minutes break.

An emergency security meeting has reportedly been summoned by Governor Ganduje to discuss possible fallout of the dethronement of the emir.