The deepening rift within the Kano Emirate took a dramatic turn on Friday as both the reinstated 16th Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and the deposed 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, appointed different individuals as Galadiman Kano, intensifying the already fraught emirship dispute.
This unprecedented dual turbaning follows the passing of Alhaji Abba Sanusi, the former Galadima, marking the first time in the history of the Fulani emirate that two individuals have simultaneously laid claim to the same prestigious traditional title.
The Galadiman Kano, Alhaji Abbas Sunusi, passed away on April 1, 2025, following a prolonged illness.
At the historic Kofar Kudu Palace, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II conferred the Galadima title on Alhaji Munir Sanusi Bayero, his cousin and younger brother to the late Galadima, during a well-attended ceremony that also saw the elevation of four other senior traditional title holders.
Among those honoured by Sanusi were his own son, Adam Lamido Sanusi, who was appointed Tafidan Kano; Alhaji Kabir Tijjani Hashim Wamban Kano as Turakin Kano; Alhaji Mahmud Ado Bayero as another Turakin Kano; and Alhaji Ahmad Abbas Sanusi as Yariman Kano.
During the turbaning, known locally as Rurbaning, Emir Sanusi urged the new title holders to remain committed to the service of the emirate and the people.
“You have been chosen based on your track records and that of your families. Most of you (referring to them individually) have shown and demonstrated loyalty to the emirate and our lineage, the people, and the state in general.
“We are aware already of what you have been doing. You have been on the saddle to help the poor and are contributing immensely to the betterment of the society. I urge you all to keep it up and ensure that you borrow a leaf from your fathers. May God help you all in discharging your duties,” he said.
The ceremony was graced by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, clerics, family members, and well-wishers.
Meanwhile, in a separate event at the Nasarawa mini palace, the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, also turbaned his brother, Alhaji Sunusi Lamido Ado Bayero, as Galadiman Kano, further entrenching the emirate’s leadership tussle.
