A fresh wave of tension has gripped the ancient Kano Emirate following the emergence of two rival claimants to the prestigious title of Galadiman Kano.
The traditional institution, already embroiled in a high-profile leadership tussle between Muhammadu Sanusi II and Aminu Ado Bayero, was plunged deeper into crisis on Friday after security operatives sealed off the official residence of the Galadima.
The action by security forces came shortly after parallel appointments were made by opposing factions within the emirate. The post of Galadima became vacant following the recent death of Abbas Sanusi, the former titleholder, which has now sparked a bitter contest for succession.
Rival Ceremonies and Parallel Appointments
On one side, the Kano State Government-backed emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II, elevated Mannir Sanusi, previously the Wamban Kano, to the position of Galadima. The elevation took place during a ceremony at the main emir’s palace, symbolizing Sanusi II’s continued consolidation of power since his controversial reinstatement by the state government in 2024—four years after his earlier deposition.
In a swift counter-move, a rival ceremony was held by the faction loyal to Aminu Ado Bayero at the Nasarawa mini-palace, where Sanusi Ado Bayero was named as the new Galadiman Kano. The simultaneous appointments have further complicated the already volatile leadership struggle within the emirate.
Security Forces Move to Avert Unrest
In response to the rising tensions, heavily armed security personnel were deployed to the Galadima House in the Galadanci area of Kano. Witnesses reported restricted access to the area as authorities sought to prevent any possible outbreak of violence.
A senior security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the deployment was a precautionary measure aimed at preserving public order and preventing confrontations between supporters of the rival factions.
Sanusi Elevates More Traditional Titleholders
Despite the ongoing turmoil, Muhammadu Sanusi II continued his reorganization of the emirate’s hierarchy. At the palace ceremony, several individuals were conferred with new traditional titles:
- Alhaji Kabir Hashim, formerly Turakin Kano, was promoted to Wamban Kano.
- Alhaji Mahmoud Bayero, previously Tafidan Kano, was appointed Turakin Kano.
- Alhaji Adam Sanusi became the new Tafidan Kano.
- Alhaji Ahmad Sanusi was named Yariman Kano.
Speaking at the event, Sanusi II charged the new titleholders to view their positions as a call to service, urging them to uphold the legacy of the emirate through fairness, justice, and humility.
“These titles are not merely decorative. They carry the weight of responsibility. You are now ambassadors of the institution and must engage meaningfully with your local councils to foster peace, governance, and development,” he said.
Sanusi emphasized that the appointments were based on merit, service, and humanitarian contributions across different sectors in Kano State.
A Power Struggle Without Resolution
The crisis surrounding the Kano Emirate continues to polarize both traditional and political institutions. The battle for legitimacy between Sanusi II and Bayero—each backed by different political stakeholders—has resulted in administrative and symbolic fractures in one of Nigeria’s most revered traditional seats.
As the struggle intensifies, the people of Kano and observers nationwide watch closely to see whether the federal government will intervene to restore unity in the deeply divided emirate.
