A revelation from the former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has sparked new discussions regarding the enduring socio-economic connections between the Igbo community and the people of Northern Nigeria.
According to Tori Express Media, in a social media post from 2017, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi shared a lesser-known historical detail about the origins of the now-renowned town of Kwankwaso in Kano State.
The former Central Bank Governor and esteemed Islamic scholar stated that the town known today as Kwankwaso was not originally named by the local Kano residents, but rather derived from the name of an Igbo businessman’s company, Okonkwo & Sons, which was established as early as 1927.
Sanusi disclosed that the area now referred to as Kwankwaso was initially the residence of Chief Felix Okonkwo, an Igbo trader from Eastern Nigeria who relocated to Kano in the early 20th century to engage in groundnut trading.
Chief Okonkwo launched his successful groundnut enterprise near the Kano railway line, naming it Okonkwo & Sons.
Due to language barriers and the unfamiliarity of Hausa speakers with the Igbo name “Okonkwo,” locals are said to have mispronounced it as Kwankwosons.
As time passed, this name was further simplified to Kwankwaso, which ultimately became the designation for the entire area where the company was located.
Sanusi’s remarks, made public on July 1, 2017, were part of a larger message advocating for unity, tolerance, and mutual respect among Nigeria’s various ethnic groups.
He posed a thought-provoking question to those critical of inter-ethnic relations, inquiring how anyone could expect the descendants of Chief Okonkwo, who have lived, traded, and contributed to Kano’s economy for over 90 years, to simply abandon their home and return to the East.
The former Emir’s message was interpreted by many as a reaction to the escalating ethnic tensions of the time, especially the calls for Igbo residents to leave Northern Nigeria following threats made by certain Northern youth groups.
The text also emphasized Sanusi’s unwavering support for national unity, economic collaboration, and acknowledging the roles played by non-indigenous communities throughout the federation.
Kwankwaso, the town in focus, would later rise to political significance as the birthplace of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who served two terms as the governor of Kano State, held the position of minister, and became a prominent Northern politician known for establishing the Kwankwasiyya political movement.
Observers find it ironic that a town named after a mispronounced Igbo term would eventually give rise to a prominent Hausa-Fulani politician, which further underscores Sanusi’s argument regarding Nigeria’s deeply interconnected identities.
This revelation has been referenced in numerous discussions about inter-ethnic harmony and the historical presence of the Igbo community in Northern Nigeria.
Sanusi, recognized for his courageous and intellectual leadership approach, was removed from his position as Emir in 2020 but was reinstated in 2024 due to political shifts in Kano State.
He continues to be one of Nigeria’s most esteemed advocates for reform, unity, and economic advancement.
His message from 2017 still resonates today as Nigeria faces ongoing challenges related to national identity, fairness, and peaceful coexistence among its more than 250 ethnic groups.
By shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of Kano’s history, Sanusi provided a subtle yet impactful reminder: the narrative of Nigeria is not crafted in isolation; it is a rich tapestry of shared challenges, intertwined cultures, and collective contributions.
