by Isi Esene

The new Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi yesterday received his instruments of office and traditional regalia from the four kingmakers who selected him among the three front-runners vying to succeed the late ruler, Ado Bayero who died last Friday.

The regalia comprises the twin spear or sword (Lagwayen masu), a Dabo hat, a pair of ostrich plumage shoes and a copy of the Holy Qur’an. The Chairman of the kingmakers and the Madakin Kano, Alhaji Yusuf   Ibrahim, did the presentation

The Dabo hat is quite remarkable but nothing beats the new emir’s ostrich plumage shoes which must have been cutting edge fashion in its days.

The items handed over to him were the same used by the 2nd Fulani Emir of Kano, Ibrahim Dabo, who was a close confidant and brother of the founder of   the Sokoto Caliphate, Usman Danfodio, in 1804.

Sanusi will adorn the regalia on the day of coronation which will be held at the emir’s palace at a date to be announced later.