Court Recognizes Bayero, Sanusi As Emirs – Fmr Gov. Ganduje

By Ayodele Oni 

Former Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has said that his reference to Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs, was just for official protocol.

According to him, this did not suggest that he endorsed Sanusi As Emir saying that the matter was still before the Court.

The clarification comes after Ganduje, during the swearing-in ceremony of Deputy Governor Murtala Sule Garo, was seen greeting Sanusi and addressing him with his full traditional title, a gesture that attracted applause from guests and dignitaries present at the event.

The former Governor had dethroned the 16th Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II in 2020 and installed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, the first son of the late Emir Abdullahi Ado Bayero.

In a statement issued by his former Commissioner for Information and Chief of Staff, Muhammad Garba, Ganduje stressed that the matter surrounding the Kano emirship dispute remains subject to judicial determination.

He maintained that only the Supreme Court of Nigeria has the final authority to decide Sanusi’s status in the ongoing legal battle.

He further explained that any eventual outcome of the case would be implemented in line with the rule of law by the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. 

Ganduje dismissed claims that his remarks amounted to an endorsement, explaining that his reference to Sanusi’s traditional title was purely an act of protocol and respect at a formal gathering.

“It is important to clarify that what happened was simply an expression of respect in a public setting and should not be interpreted as an endorsement.”

He cautioned that the emirship tussle remains subjudice and warned against public commentary that could amount to contempt of court, recalling that the Court of Appeal had earlier directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending a final verdict.

Ganduje also noted that the existing legal framework still recognises Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano and Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 14th Emir, pending the final decision of the Supreme Court, which is expected to resolve the matter in due course.

He added that, as a former governor, he has no constitutional authority to endorse or reject any claimant to the emirship stool, stressing that such powers rest solely with the judiciary and the state government.