By Kolawole Ojebisi
The apparent simmering tussle for the Kano emirate’s stool threatened to boil over on Friday but for the prompt intervention of security agents, particularly officials of the Nigeria Police Force.
This is as security operatives besieged the official residence of one of the newly installed Galadimas of Kano
The palpable confusion may not be unconnected to the emergence of two individuals laying claim to the revered traditional title.
The recent passing of the former Galadiman Kano, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, created a vacuum which, according to tradition, must be filled at the behest of the reigning Emir.
Trouble started on Friday when the state witnessed the turnbaning of two individuals at two different venues, organised by two rival groups, as Abbas’ successor.
The confusion was prompted by the prevailing situation concerning traditional leadership of the ancient city of Kano.
The Kano emirate has been embroiled in a leadership crisis following the controversial reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi as the emir by the state government, four years after his removal from the throne.
Alhaji Aminu Bayero, who was installed following Sanusi’s deposition in 2020, has refused to step down, insisting on his legitimacy.
Despite subsisting — if not conflicting — court rulings over the dispute, both Sanusi and Bayero have stuck to their guns with each party claiming to be the legitimate Kano monarch.
On Friday, the Kano State Government-backed Sanusi elevated Wamban Kano, Alhaji Mannir Sanusi, to the position of Galadiman Kano at his palace.
Also, a rival emirate faction loyal to Bayero announced a parallel appointment of Alhaji Sanusi Ado Bayero as Galadiman Kano at a separate ceremony held at the Nasarawa mini-palace.
However, hours after the ceremony, heavily armed security personnel arrived at the Galadima House, located in the Galadanci area of the ancient city, sealing off the area and restricting access.
Meanwhile, as of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the security agencies or the state government over the development.
