Ganduje clarifies recognition of Sanusi, says Supreme Court will decide Kano Emirship dispute

Days after publicly addressing Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano during the swearing-in ceremony of the Deputy Governor, former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has clarified that the final resolution of the lingering Kano emirship tussle rests solely with the Supreme Court and would ultimately be implemented by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in line with the rule of law.

Ganduje made the clarification while reacting to widespread reports suggesting that he had formally endorsed Sanusi as the substantive Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs.

In a statement signed by his former Commissioner for Information and Chief of Staff, Muhammad Garba, the former governor described the interpretation of his remarks at the event as a misrepresentation of what transpired.

According to him, referring to Sanusi by his traditional title during the public function was merely an act of courtesy and adherence to established protocol, not a political or legal endorsement of his claim to the Kano throne.

“It is important to clarify that what happened was simply an expression of respect in a public gathering. It should not be misconstrued as an endorsement,” Ganduje stated.

Read also: Ganduje’s recognition of Sanusi’s emirship signals political shift in Kano

The former governor stressed that the emirship dispute remains before the courts and cautioned political actors, media organisations, and members of the public against comments capable of prejudicing the judicial process.

He recalled that the Court of Appeal had earlier directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the final determination of the matter by the Supreme Court.
“The subsisting legal position recognises Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano and Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 14th Emir, pending the final judgment of the Supreme Court,” he explained.

Ganduje further noted that, as a former governor, he possesses no constitutional authority to confer legitimacy on any claimant to the emirship stool, insisting that the matter remains strictly within the jurisdiction of the judiciary and, subsequently, the Kano State Government.

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He added that reports portraying his remarks as a major political shift were exaggerated and failed to reflect the true context of the event.

“The interpretation being given to the remark is clearly exaggerated,” he said, urging all interested parties to exercise restraint and await the anticipated Supreme Court judgment expected next year.

The Kano emirship dispute has remained one of the most contentious traditional institution crises in northern Nigeria in recent years. The tussle intensified following the reinstatement of Sanusi by the Kano State Government after the repeal of the Kano Emirates Council law that had created additional emirates under Ganduje’s administration.

The development led to legal battles between supporters of Sanusi and Aminu Ado Bayero, with both camps laying claim to the revered throne while court proceedings continue.