At a public event in Abuja on October 4, Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA) to President Bola Tinubu, addressed Aminu Ado Bayero as the Emir of Kano. Ribadu, who was representing the president at the inaugural international lecture hosted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), referred to Bayero as “the Emir of Kano.” The audience reacted with applause, further drawing attention to the long-standing leadership dispute surrounding the Kano emirate throne.

The controversy dates back to 2019 when the Kano State House of Assembly passed a law that split the Kano emirate into five smaller ones: Kano, Rano, Gaya, Karaye, and Bichi. This move, believed to be politically motivated, was seen as a way to weaken the influence of the then Emir, Muhammad Sanusi II. Shortly after, the governor at the time, Abdullahi Ganduje, signed the bill into law and in March 2020, removed Sanusi from his position, citing reasons such as defiance and disrespect towards the government. Aminu Ado Bayero was then appointed as the new Emir of Kano.

However, in 2024, the conflict reignited when Abba Yusuf, the new governor of Kano, passed a law that restored the emirate to a single throne, reinstating Sanusi as the Emir. Despite this, Bayero refused to step down and continued to live in his palace in the Nassarawa Local Government Area, causing tension across the state.

Governor Yusuf even issued an order for Bayero’s arrest, a move that fueled speculation that Bayero had support from the federal government. These suspicions were further heightened when Kano’s Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo, accused NSA Ribadu of assisting Bayero’s return to Kano by providing private jets. Ribadu denied the allegations and threatened to take legal action against Gwarzo, who later apologized and retracted his statement.

As of now, both Bayero and Sanusi have filed lawsuits in court, leaving the leadership of the Kano emirate in a legal limbo. The dispute continues to divide the state as both factions await a final court ruling.

The long history and significance of the Kano emirate make this leadership battle particularly contentious, as the emir holds cultural and traditional importance not only in Kano but across Nigeria. The legal and political struggle is expected to continue until a clear decision is made regarding the rightful Emir of Kano.