KANO EMIRATE DISPUTE: IS EMIR SANUSI USING THE KOFAR MATA EID GROUND TRADERS’ PLIGHT TO UNDERMINE GOVERNOR ABBA’S SECOND-TERM AMBITIONS?
By
Muhammad Izzudden Musa
The recent letter by Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf over traders affected by the demolition of shops at Kofar Mata Eid Ground raises serious questions about timing, consistency and political motivation.
While the welfare of the affected traders deserves attention, the circumstances surrounding the Emir’s intervention invite a more fundamental question: Why has Emir Sanusi chosen this particular moment to speak out, after years of controversy surrounding the same issue, and could the letter be part of a political effort capable of undermining Governor Abba’s chances of securing a second term in office?
This is a question that deserves public scrutiny, especially given the sensitive political atmosphere in Kano State.
WHY NOW, AND WHY DID HE REMAIN SILENT BEFORE?
The most pressing question is why the Emir Sunusi did not make a similarly prominent intervention when the controversy over the Kofar Mata Eid Ground allocation was unfolding during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
If the Emir Sunusi’s present concern is genuinely the welfare of the traders, why did he not raise his voice with the same urgency at the time the allocation and commercial development of the area became contentious?
Why wait until Governor Abba’s administration has spent years dealing with the consequences of the dispute before issuing a letter that could generate fresh political pressure on the government?
the public deserves an explanation. Did the Emir support the sale at the time? What role did the Emirate Council play in the process? And what changed between then and now?
It would be contradictory to support or encourage a commercial arrangement at one stage and subsequently present oneself as the principal advocate for those affected by its consequences without explaining the change in position.
These are not questions that should be dismissed as political attacks. They go to the heart of consistency, accountability and the credibility of public interventions by traditional institutions.
IS THE LETTER AN ATTACK ON GOVERNOR ABBA’S SECOND-TERM AMBITIONS?
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is approaching a politically sensitive period in which his administration’s performance, relationships and prospects for re-election will inevitably attract public debate.
At such a moment, a high-profile intervention by Emir Sunusi over a controversial issue can have political consequences far beyond its stated purpose.
The Emir’s letter could place the governor in a difficult position: if the government responds to the demands, the dispute may be reopened politically; if it fails to meet expectations, critics may use the issue to portray the administration as insensitive to the suffering of traders.
This raises a legitimate question: Is the letter simply an appeal for justice, or could it also serve as a means of placing Governor Abba under political pressure at a critical moment in his bid for a second term?
The timing makes that question difficult to ignore.
WHAT WAS THE EMIR’S POSITION DURING THE GANDUJE ADMINISTRATION?
The history of the Kofar Mata Eid Ground dispute must not be overlooked.
During Ganduje’s administration, the proposed or actual commercial use of part of the Eid Ground generated controversy. Questions were raised about the allocation, the interests of traders and the role of the institutions involved.
Against that background, the Emir’s current intervention demands an explanation of his earlier position.
Since the issue of demolishing the shops at the Eid Ground Mosque first emerged during the Kwankwasiyya administration, many people who claimed ownership of plots in the area have come forward with allocation documents bearing the letterhead of the Kano Emirate Council. Several of these individuals have reportedly confirmed that the Emirate Council, under Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, was responsible for selling the plots to them.
The question, therefore, is: Where was Emir Sanusi all this while? Throughout that period, there was no public statement from him condemning the demolition of the area. He did not openly criticise the decision when the issue first arose. Why, then, has he chosen to speak out now, more than three years into Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration?
Although it is evident that Emir Sanusi may not be comfortable with some of Governor Abba’s actions, recent political developments could provide a clue to the timing of his intervention. Not long ago, Governor Abba held a private meeting with Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’agundi, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, who is widely regarded as a close ally of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero. He and his brother are also widely perceived as being at the forefront of the ongoing Kano Emirate dispute. It is therefore possible that Emir Sanusi is unhappy with this development.
THE MALAM IBRAHIM MAI BUSHIRA
EPISODE
Professor Malam Ibrahim Mai Bushira, an elderly, respected, and dignified scholar, came out after the prayer gathering to commend Emir Sanusi over the letter he had written to the Governor concerning the traders whose shops were demolished at the Eid prayer ground. However, just a few hours later, Professor Mai Bushira appeared again to clarify that Emir Sanusi had not instructed him to make the statement he had made.
Yet, as the author of this piece, I personally saw evidence confirming the existence of the letter written by the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, on the official letterhead of the Kano Emirate Council. The letter, dated 17 October 2026, was addressed to the Governor and signed by Alhaji Abba Yusuf (Danmakwayon Kano), the Secretary of the Emirate Council.
This raises a serious question: if the letter exists, why was so much pressure allegedly put on Professor Mai Bushira that he felt compelled to retract or clarify his earlier remarks about the matter?
Finally, in our view, this is an attempt to sabotage the Governor’s bid for a second term in office.
Muhammad Izzudden Musa
I am a proud son of Kano State who wishes the Governor a second term to continue his good work.
Izdmusa654@gmail.com
19th October 2026