A photo of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has gained some traction after he was reinstated last week by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Muhammadu Sanusi II was the 14th Emir of Kano until he was dethroned by Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who assumed the role from 2015 to 2023.

PDP Chieftain Dele Momodu shared the photo in a post on his Instagram page on Friday, May 24.

While the photo has generated some mixed reactions, the fracas that has characterized who ascends the throne as the Emir of Kano seems to have become more complicated than anticipated.

This comes after residents of the ancient city were thrown into confusion on Sunday, May 26, as both the reinstated 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and the deposed 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, laid claim to the throne.

There was a heavy security presence as Sanusi moved into the Emir’s Palace, better known as Nassarawa Palace, and sat for the first traditional court session, called Zaman Fada in Hausa, amidst Kano kingmakers, council members, and some district heads.

Emir Sanusi II appeared in his full traditional regalia to perform his first traditional function at the Emir’s house at Kofar Kudu inside the city.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, his deputy Aminu Abdulsalam, and thousands of supporters were also at the Emir’s palace in a show of solidarity.

Hundreds of hunters and youths stormed the palace last night to provide security for the reinstated Emir.