Hussaini Kafi in Kano
Signs of deepening tensions within the Kano Emirate emerged this weekend as two rival Emirs approved separate appointments to the prestigious title of Galadiman Kano, following the recent death of Alhaji Abbas Sanusi.
The Kano Emirate Council, under the leadership of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, has officially appointed Alhaji Sanusi Ado Bayero as the new Galadiman Kano.
A letter seen by PUNCH on Saturday evening, dated April 21, 2025, and signed by Alhaji Awaisu Abbas Sanusi, confirmed Emir Aminu’s approval of Sanusi Ado Bayero’s elevation from Wamban Kano to Galadiman Kano.
“The Emir, after careful consideration and in recognition of his loyalty and service, has approved the appointment of Alhaji Sanusi Ado Bayero as the new Galadiman Kano,” the letter stated.
The official turbaning ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 2, 2025, at the Emir’s palace in the Nasarawa Royal House.
Meanwhile, it would be recalled that the 16th Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, on April 8, 2025, also announced his own appointment to the same title.
He approved Alhaji Mannir Sanusi, the District Head of Bichi, as Galadiman Kano.
Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, Mannir Sanusi confirmed the appointment, stating, “Khalifa Sanusi II, after wide consultations with key stakeholders across the Emirate, graciously approved my appointment as the Galadiman Kano. It is a responsibility I accept with deep humility and a commitment to serve.”
Sources close to Khalifa Sanusi II said the decision was aimed at preserving the historical lineage and values of the Emirate amid ongoing leadership tussles.
The dual appointments come just weeks after the passing of Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, who previously held the revered title.
The developments not only reflect the continued rivalry between the two traditional authorities but also signal deeper fractures within Kano’s centuries-old royal institution.
A political analyst, Dr. Kabiru Sulaiman, speaking to PUNCH, said, “The Emirate is clearly at a crossroads. What we are seeing is a battle for legitimacy, and it goes beyond titles—it’s about control over history, tradition, and the political soul of Kano.”
Analysts warn that the competing appointments could further fuel the existing tension surrounding the Emirate’s leadership, which has been marred by disputes since the controversial dethronement of Sanusi II in 2020 and the subsequent restructuring of the Kano Emirate.
Observers are now closely watching how the situation unfolds, as both camps push forward with their respective turbaning ceremonies in what appears to be a contest for legitimacy and supremacy within Kano’s revered traditional institution.
