Kano is once again at the center of a royal storm as controversy rocks the emirate over the appointment of two individuals to the same traditional title.
This development intensifies the already heated rivalry between Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, who both claim legitimacy over the Kano Emirate throne.
The latest spark in this ongoing tussle came with the appointment of two different people to the prestigious title of Galadiman Kano, one of the most senior positions in the Kano Emirate Council. On April 9, 2025, Emir Sanusi II approved the elevation of Munir Sanusi from Wamban Kano to Galadiman Kano, following the death of the former titleholder, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi. In a ceremony that reflected the dignity and history of the emirate, Sanusi II emphasized continuity and the importance of traditional leadership rooted in heritage and wisdom.
However, less than two weeks later, Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, who maintains a parallel claim to the throne, appointed his elder brother, Sanusi Ado Bayero, to the same title. Sanusi Ado, himself a former Ciroman Kano and a member of the royal family with deep ties to the institution, accepted the position with the blessing of Bayero and his supporters. This dual appointment has now placed the Kano Emirate in an even more precarious position, as both emirs assert their authority by filling the same vacant seat with their chosen candidates.
This unprecedented situation is causing unease among Kano residents, many of whom are loyal to one of the two emirs. The confusion over who holds legitimate power continues to stir political and social tension across the state. Traditional leaders and stakeholders in Northern Nigeria are growing increasingly concerned about the long-term implications of the conflict for the integrity of the emirate system.
The roots of the crisis go back to March 2020, when Muhammadu Sanusi II was deposed by the Kano State government led by then-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. He was replaced by Aminu Ado Bayero, son of the late Emir Ado Bayero. However, in May 2024, a new administration reinstated Sanusi II as Emir, leading to a legal and traditional standoff. Since then, both men have held court in separate palaces, each conducting emirate affairs and appointing council members.
The matter is currently before the Supreme Court, which is expected to deliver a ruling on the legitimacy of the emirship in the coming months. Until then, the emirate remains split in leadership and public perception, with many citizens unsure of whom to recognize as the rightful leader.
Observers warn that without a peaceful and unified resolution, the situation could further polarize the emirate and erode public trust in traditional institutions. As the battle for legitimacy plays out in courts and council chambers, the people of Kano wait anxiously, hoping for a resolution that restores peace, dignity, and unity to one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected royal institutions.
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