Recent remarks by former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, calling on members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to pledge allegiance to the reinstated Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, have reignited tensions surrounding the ongoing emirship dispute and drawn a strong response from the camp of the deposed emir, Aminu Ado-Bayero.
The controversy follows the decision of the Kano State Government to remove Mr Ado-Bayero after the repeal of the 2019 Emirate Council Law, which led to the reinstatement of Mr Sanusi as the sole Emir of Kano. Mr Ado-Bayero has since challenged the decision in court and continues to operate from a palace in the Nasarawa area of Kano.
Speaking at the launch of the Kano Neighbourhood Watch Corps, Mr Kwankwaso urged members of the Kwankwasiyya movement to recognise only Lamido Sanusi as Emir, accusing the federal government of attempting to impose the deposed emir on the state. He also called for the withdrawal of security personnel from Mr Ado-Bayero’s residence, describing their presence as provocative and disrespectful to Kano’s traditional institutions.
Tensions heightened earlier the same day when access roads leading to the Nasarawa palace were blocked, prompting increased security presence in the area. Mr Kwankwaso argued that allowing the deposed emir to remain there undermines peace and stability.
In response, Aminu Dan’agundi, a senior figure in the Kano Emirate aligned with Mr Ado-Bayero, described Mr Kwankwaso’s comments as inflammatory and a violation of ongoing court proceedings. He insisted that Mr Ado-Bayero remains within his rights to stay at the palace, stating that the emir’s removal was carried out without due process and is being contested legally.
He maintained that court rulings had favoured Mr Ado-Bayero’s position and warned against politicising the traditional institution. While urging supporters to remain calm, he expressed confidence that the legal process would ultimately restore the deposed emir.
The emirship crisis is rooted in a long-standing political rivalry. Mr Kwankwaso initially appointed Mr Sanusi as emir during his earlier tenure as governor. Years later, Mr Sanusi was removed by a subsequent administration, which restructured the emirate and installed Mr Ado-Bayero. The current government later reversed those changes, citing a desire to restore the original emirate system.
The dispute has also taken on a broader political dimension, reflecting tensions between the NNPP-led state government and the APC-led federal government, particularly over the role of security agencies. The matter remains before the Supreme Court, with all sides awaiting a final judgment.
