The absence of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II from the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina, has stirred sharp debates and controversy across Nigeria, July 16, 2025.
Report on Punch sates that, Muhammadu Dallatu, a close associate of the Emir, revealed the official reason behind this conspicuous no-show to Punch Newspapers on Wednesday.
Official Explanation: An “Official Engagement” Abroad
According to Dallatu, Emir Sanusi could not attend the burial because he was away on an official trip to the United Kingdom.
“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,” he said.
This explanation, while straightforward.
Rings hollow given the timing and nature of the event Sanusi chose to miss the funeral of one of Nigeria’s most prominent former leaders.
Caught on Camera: Polo Tournament Elegance in Surrey
Investigative reports show that just two days before Buhari’s burial.
Emir Sanusi was spotted at the 2025 Access Bank Polo Tournament in Surrey, England.
At this glamorous gathering, he was seen rubbing shoulders with influential global figures.
Including England’s national football team manager, Thomas Tuchel.
Is attending a polo tournament an activity befitting the solemn occasion of a former president’s burial?
This detail triggered widespread outrage and intense criticism, suggesting misplaced priorities on the part of the Emir.
Meanwhile, The 15th Emir of Kano Graced The Funeral
In stark contrast, the current Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, made the journey to Daura on Tuesday morning to pay his respects.
His spokesperson, Abubakar Naisa, confirmed Bayero traveled with traditional rulers from Jigawa State.
“Yes, His Highness Aminu Ado Bayero left Kano this Tuesday morning for Daura to pay his last respects,” said Naisa.
“He attended the burial alongside the Emirs of Kazaure and Dutse.”
This act has been used to implicitly question Emir Sanusi’s commitment to traditional duties and national unity.
The Kano Emirate Leadership Crisis: Context Matters
The Kano Emirate has been fraught with political tension since the dethronement of Muhammadu Sanusi II in March 2020.
Sanusi was removed from office by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s administration, deepening leadership disputes.
His absence from such a sensitive occasion underscores a divided house.
Some see his London trip and leisurely polo engagement as symptomatic of a monarch out of sync with his role and responsibilities in Nigeria.
Public Reaction: Disappointment and Disgust
Many Nigerians universally condemned Emir Sanusi’s absence, perceiving it as disrespectful and arrogant.
Social media lit up with furious criticisms, branding his absence as a blatant disregard for tradition and a national figure’s dignity.
“How does one attend a polo match abroad while the nation mourns a former president?” one Twitter user wrote.
“It shows you where the Emir’s loyalty lies,” said another.
The royal institution’s role in Nigeria extends beyond pomp.
It embodies cultural leadership, national identity, and respect for history.
Emir Sanusi’s action or inaction has triggered suspicion about his priorities.
Was Emir Sanusi’s “Official Duty” an Illusion?
The claim of an “official engagement” in London rings alarm bells.
Emir Sanusi attended no official government or customary functions relating to Nigeria’s interest during that period.
His presence at a luxury polo tournament contrasts sharply with the country’s mourning mood.
Critics accuse him of using the guise of “official duty” to dodge a discomforting national event, further fueling allegations of aloofness from grassroots realities.
A Tale of Two Emirs: Leadership in Contrast
Where Emir Sanusi’s approach seemed detached, Emir Aminu Ado Bayero’s attendance symbolized a commitment to continuity and unity in traditional leadership.
While political power struggles continue in Kano Emirate, Bayero’s action reminded Nigerians of the responsibilities entrusted to a monarch beyond palace walls.
His presence alongside other regional Emirs sent a message of solidarity, respect, and cultural integrity during a national mourning.
A Nation Divided Amidst National Grieving
The glaring divide between the two Kano monarchs during Buhari’s burial mirrors Nigeria’s larger tribal and political tensions.
His choice has widened the rift, making it a controversial symbol of leadership failure during a solemn occasion.
Accountability Demanded from Traditional Rulers
It raises uncomfortable questions about the priorities of some traditional rulers in Nigeria.
Is monarchy in Nigeria still aligned with the people’s expectations, or has it become an elite spectacle detached from societal needs?
This controversy calls for deep reflections on respect, duty, and identity.
If leaders both political and traditional cannot show up when it matters most, how can Nigerians trust them to steer the country forward?
