The leadership crisis rocking the Kano Emirate deepened further as the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, approved the appointment of Alhaji Sanusi Ado Bayero, the current Wamban Kano, as the new Galadiman Kano.
The appointment was announced following a council meeting chaired by Emir Aminu Ado Bayero on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
In a letter signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Emirate Council, Awaisu Abbas Sanusi, it was revealed that the turbaning ceremony for Sanusi Ado Bayero will hold on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the Emir’s new palace in Nassarawa.
The Emir congratulated the appointee and urged him to invite family, friends, and associates to the ceremony, seen as a reaffirmation of the Emir’s influence despite the growing tension within the Emirate.
Rival appointments further split Kano’s traditional institution
The appointment comes amid a parallel move by the 16th Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, who earlier in April appointed Alhaji Mannir Sanusi (Hakimin Bichi) as Galadiman Kano.
His appointment followed the death of the previous titleholder, creating a situation where two influential figures now hold claims to the same historic title under different Emirs.
Observers say the latest developments highlight a deepening power struggle within Kano’s revered traditional institution, risking further divisions among loyalists of the two Emirs.
Sanusi Ado Bayero’s turbaning ceremony set for May 2
Despite the underlying crisis, preparations are underway for the turbaning of Sanusi Ado Bayero.
The event is expected to draw dignitaries, traditional title holders, and key members of the Kano aristocracy.
The title of Galadiman Kano remains one of the most respected in the Emirate’s hierarchy, carrying both traditional and administrative significance.
As the Emirate faces increasing internal rifts, the upcoming ceremony may further underscore the competing authorities within one of Nigeria’s oldest and most influential kingdoms.
