Why Emir Sanusi didn’t attend Buhari’s burial

• The Emir was noticeably absent at the funeral, which was attended by Nigerian political elites and other prominent and influential figures. His absence elicited concerns in some quarters

Fresh Information has emerged regarding the absence of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, at the funeral of former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday.

The Emir was noticeably absent at the funeral, which was attended by Nigerian political elites and other prominent and influential figures. His absence elicited concerns in some quarters.

But a close associate of the monarch, Muhammadu Dallatu, has given a reason for the Emir’s absence at the solemn occasion.

Dallatu disclosed that the emir was away in the United Kingdom on an official assignment and is expected to return to Nigeria on Wednesday (today).

He stated, ‘‘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.”

Further findings show that Emir Sanusi on Saturday took part in the 2025 Access Bank Polo Tournament held in Surrey, England, where he was seen alongside prominent global figures, including England’s national football team manager, Thomas Tuchel.

However, the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, attended the state funeral of the late former President in Daura on Tuesday morning.

Bayero’s spokesperson, Abubakar Naisa, confirmed the development, saying the Emir was accompanied by traditional rulers from Jigawa State.

“Yes, His Highness Aminu Ado Bayero left Kano this (Tuesday) morning for Daura to pay his last respects,” Kofar Naisa said. “He is attending the burial alongside the Emirs of Kazaure and Dutse.”

The Kano Emirate has been embroiled in a leadership crisis following the dethronement of Muhammadu Sanusi II, who served as Emir from 2014 until March 2020 under the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. The crisis worsened after the reinstatement of the Sanusi by Governor Abba Yusuf.

In May 2024, Governor Yusuf abrogated the 2019 Emirate Council Law, dissolved the newly created emirates, and reinstated Sanusi as the sole Emir of a unified Kano Emirate. Ado Bayero, however, refused to leave the palace, insisting on a legal resolution to the matter.