Chaotic Scene in Kano as Two Claimants Lay Claim to Galadima Title
Authorities secure Galadima's dwelling in the midst of leadership strife within Kano Emirate.
In the heart of Kano, security forces have been called in to maintain order after two individuals emerged, each claiming the prestigious title of Galadima.
Our sources report that this dispute arises from a power vacuum left by the recent passing of the former Galadiman Kano, Abbas Sanusi. Two factions are now fighting tooth and nail to fill the void.
The turbulent Kano emirate is already grappling with a leadership crisis, and matters took a turn for the worse after the controversial reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as emir by the state government. This move has ignited a bitter power struggle between Sanusi and Aminu Bayero, who was installed as the emir in 2020, following Sanusi's removal.
On Friday, the Kano State Government-backed Muhammadu Sanusi chose Mannir Sanusi, the Wamban Kano, to become the Galadiman Kano at a ceremony held at his palace. However, a rival faction loyal to Aminu Bayero announced Sanusi Ado Bayero as the new Galadiman Kano at a separate ceremony held at the Nasarawa mini-palace.
These two competing claimants have only intensified the leadership dispute within the Kano emirate. As tensions rise, security personnel have been deployed to prevent any potential violence or unrest.
Following the two conflicting ceremonies, heavily armed security personnel have surrounded the Galadima House in the Galadanci area of Kano. Access to the area has been restricted, with security personnel stationed to maintain peace amidst the escalating tensions.
Sanusi Promotes Titles amidst Chaos
During a ceremony hosted at the Kano Emirate palace, Muhammadu Sanusi also elevated several individuals to higher traditional titles. Alhaji Kabir Hashim, the Turakin Kano, was promoted to Wamban Kano, while Alhaji Mahmoud Bayero, the Tafidan Kano, was elevated to Turakin Kano.
Among the notable promotions, Alhaji Adam Sanusi was appointed as the new Tafidan Kano, and Alhaji Ahmad Sanusi was given the role of Yariman Kano.
Speaking to the new titleholders, Sanusi emphasized the importance of their roles. "These titles are not merely symbolic but represent a call to service, dedication, and integrity. I urge you all to uphold the dignity of the institution, work with your local councils, and serve your communities with justice, fairness, and humility," he stated.
Sanusi also declared that the appointments had been made based on merit and humanitarian contributions across various sectors. He encouraged the new appointees to cooperate with their respective local government chairmen to foster development and promote good governance in their communities.
You may find this interesting
- Union Unveils Support for Gov Yusuf for Second Term in Kano
- Gov Yusuf Announces New Minimum Wage for Kano Civil Servants
- JSC Suspends Two Kano Court Registrars
- Investigation Reveals Over 240 Workers Receiving Double Salary, 217 Sharing Same BVN in Kano
- Kano Govt Discovers Over ₦28 Million Paid to 247 Dead, Retired Workers in Kano
- Kano Traffic Officer Dies After Being Pushed From Moving Truck
Enrichment Insights
- The Kano Emirate is embroiled in an escalating leadership crisis marked by parallel appointments and competing claims to authority.
- The dispute over the Galadima title has intensified tensions:
- Muhammadu Sanusi II promoted Alhaji Mannir Sanusi to Galadiman Kano at his palace on May 2, 2025.
- Aminu Ado Bayero appointed his brother, Alhaji Sanusi Ado Bayero, to the same title, with a ceremony held the same day at the Nasarawa mini-palace.
- This crisis hinges on the Supreme Court's pending decision regarding the validity of Sanusi's reinstatement and Bayero's contested removal. Governor Abba Yusuf's 2024 amendment of the Emirate law, which facilitated Sanusi's return, remains a focal point of tension.
- The death of former Galadima Alhaji Abbas Sanusi in March 2025 created a power vacuum, exposing fractures within the emirate. The Galadima title, historically a strategic stepping stone, is now a proxy for broader legitimacy disputes. Analysts warn that the parallel appointments risk deepening institutional rifts.
- The chaotic scene in Kano, Nigeria, known as 'Naija', is intensifying as a power struggle erupts over the Galadiman Kano title, following the recent passing of Abbas Sanusi.
- The controversies in Kano's politics have extended beyond the emirate, with policy-and-legislation and general-news outlets closely monitoring the ongoing leadership crisis.
- Mahmoud, the reinstated emir of Kano, has further complicated the situation by promoting individuals to higher traditional titles, with Mannir Sanusi and Sanusi Ado Bayero being the latest recipients of the Galadima title.
- Investigations in the crime-and-justice sector have confirmed reports of double salary payments and shared BVNs in Kano, amidst the existing leadership tussle across various sectors.
- The Kano State Government's policy-and-legislation has come under scrutiny, with the controversial reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as emir serving as a spark for the bitter power struggle.
- Following the conflicting ceremonies for the Galadima title, security forces have beefed up their presence in the Galadanci area, aiming to prevent any potential war-and-conflicts or unrest associated with the tense situation.
