The Kano emirate crisis has deepened with both Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Aminu Ado Bayero appointing different individuals as Galadima, a key traditional title. This action, involving parallel turbaning ceremonies, has disrupted the royal institution and confused residents about which Emir and Galadima to recognize. This recent development highlights the increasing political influence over traditional leadership in Kano, sparking concerns about instability and the potential loss of cultural unity.

The lingering power struggle over the Kano emirate took a dramatic turn on Friday as the two embattled Emirs appointed different individuals to the prestigious Galadima title. Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the reinstated Emir of Kano, and Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the deposed Emir, each conducted separate turbaning ceremonies to appoint a successor to the late Galadiman Kano, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi. The appointment of different Galadimas by Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Ado Bayero has introduced further chaos, with many residents uncertain about which Galadima titleholder to acknowledge.

At the main palace, Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi presided over the turbaning of Alhaji Munir Sanusi Bayero as the new Galadima. Simultaneously, at the Nasarawa mini-palace, where he has been since his controversial dethronement, ousted Emir Aminu Ado Bayero performed his own ceremony, crowning Alhaji Sanusi Ado Bayero for the same title. These parallel ceremonies have deepened the crisis in Kano, dividing and confusing residents.

The current situation is the latest in a protracted battle for control of the ancient Kano emirate, a focal point of political and traditional rivalry since 2019. The crisis initially began when then-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje split the emirate and deposed Sanusi. In May 2024, Governor Yusuf reversed this decision, reinstating Sanusi. However, Bayero, allegedly supported by federal authorities, has contested the move, leading to a tense standoff.

Residents of Kano are divided, with some supporting Sanusi’s legitimacy as the state-recognized Emir, while others remain loyal to Bayero, citing his lineage. Malam Ibrahim Musa, a Kano community leader, noted that the issue has transcended traditional leadership and is now about political influence and control, warning of further instability in Kano without a clear resolution. A market trader, Haruna Baballe, expressed shock and dismay, questioning how one city could have two Galadimas, a situation unprecedented in their tradition.

Similarly, Alhaji Bello Sani, a 61-year-old traditional leader born and raised in Kano, voiced his confusion, lamenting the division of voices and the politicization of the royal institution. He criticized politicians for using the royal institution for their games. Legit.ng also reported that the Kano State Hisbah Board has banned all forms of sports betting within the state to combat immorality.