The Tijjaniyya Sufi order has denied appointing the former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, as its leader in Nigeria.
The Grand World Leader of Tijjaniyya, Sheikh Mahi Nyass, disclosed this when he spoke with newsmen on Monday in Sokoto.
On March 9, 2020, Sanusi was removed by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje as Kano emir “in order to safeguard the sanctity, culture, tradition, religion and prestige of the Kano emirate.” The deposed monarch was also accused of “total disrespect” of institutions and the governor’s office.
Sanusi was said to have been appointed on Sunday by the Tijjaniyya order during an annual national Maulud of Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass in Sokoto.
Nyass said the appointment of the Sufi order’s leader in Nigeria must be subjected to scrutiny and nomination from scholars in Nigeria and Senegal, which Sanusi’s appointment did not follow.
He said: “Such decisions have to be discussed at different fora and an agreement must be reached before the announcement.
“After nomination, a letter of credence endorsed by the group of scholars, duly signed and stamped by the grand world leader must be presented to the person appointed.”
He said Sanusi has not presented himself or indicated interest for the seat, and that the authorities had yet to put in place modalities for such an appointment.
“Unity of followers is paramount and I enjoin adherents of the order to dedicate themselves in true worship, foster increased brotherhood and love among them,” he said.
Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi, son of popular Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, earlier described Sanus’s appointment as fake news.
He said: “The Dhariqa Tijjaniyya is based on knowledge and scholarship rooted in extant adherence to stipulated guidelines and obedience to Allah and those in charge of Dhariqa affairs.
“The junior brother of Grand Leader, Sheikh Mahi Nyass was quoted out of context in the report. What he said was that Sanusi has been following the footsteps of his late grandfather, Muhammadu Sanusi I.
“Sheikh Nyass only tried to compare the life experiences of Sanusi and that of his late grandfather after being deposed from the throne.”
