The battle for supremacy in the Kano Emirate took a dramatic turn on Friday as both the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, performed separate turbaning ceremonies for different individuals as Galadiman Kano.
Sanusi II, who was reinstated by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, turbaned Munir Sanusi Bayero at the historic Kofar Kudu palace, declaring that the appointment was based on merit and dedication to public service.
Meanwhile, Bayero, who maintains a strong following despite his deposition, held a parallel ceremony at the Nassarawa Mini Palace, where he conferred the same title on Sunusi Lamido Ado Bayero.
The parallel ceremonies followed the recent passing of the previous Galadiman Kano, Abbas Sanusi, creating a vacuum that has now become symbolic of the deepening royal divide.
Speaking during his ceremony, Sanusi II emphasized that the appointees were selected for their service to the emirate, moral integrity, and family legacy.
“You have been chosen based on your track records and that of your families… you have shown loyalty to the emirate, to our lineage, and to the people,” he said.
Sanusi also turbaned four other traditional title holders:
Wamban Kano: Alhaji Kabir Tijjani Hashim, District Head of Nassarawa
Turakin Kano: Alhaji Mahmud Ado Bayero, District Head of Gwale
Tafidan Kano: Adam Lamido Sanusi
Yariman Kano: Alhaji Ahmad Abbas Sanusi
The Kofar Kudu ceremony was attended by Governor Abba Yusuf, state officials, religious leaders, and members of the royal family.
At the Nassarawa Mini Palace, Bayero maintained that his appointee, Sunusi Lamido Ado Bayero, was selected based on his experience, service, and commitment to the emirate.
The development reflects a growing power struggle between the two emirs since Sanusi’s reinstatement, with both sides maintaining royal functions, titles, and public presence.
As Kano navigates this complex dual leadership structure, observers remain watchful of the implications for tradition, unity, and governance within one of Nigeria’s oldest emirates.
