The deepening division within the Kano Emirate has taken a new turn as the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero approved the appointment of Alhaji Sanusi Ado Bayero, the eldest son of the late Emir Ado Bayero, as the new Galadiman Kano.
The appointment was formalized in a letter dated April 21, 2025, signed by Senior Administrative Officer, Awaisu Abbas Sanusi.
According to the letter, the decision was reached during a meeting presided over by Emir Aminu Ado Bayero on April 16, 2025.
The letter, titled “Notice of Permission to Enter the Nasarawa Palace Mosque for Your Installation as Galadiman Kano,” invited Sanusi Ado Bayero to the Palace Mosque in Gidan Sarki, Nassarawa, on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 9:00 am, for his official installation.
However, this move comes barely weeks after the reinstated Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, made a similar appointment.
On April 9, 2025, Emir Sanusi II promoted Alhaji Munir Sanusi Bayero from Wamban Kano to Galadiman Kano, a decision conveyed through a letter signed by the Matawallen Kano, Aliyu Ibrahim Ahmad.
The appointment of two individuals to the same traditional title by rival factions reflects the ongoing battle for supremacy within the Kano Emirate.
The division has deepened since the controversial reinstatement of Muhammad Sanusi II, who was previously dethroned in 2020.
Last week, Emir Sanusi II had also filled the Galadiman Kano position following the death of the previous titleholder, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi.
The governor’s directive is contained in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, after a Ramadan iftar held at the Government House with the emirs he appointed.
“Governor Yusuf stated that his administration will not relent and will not allow any adversaries to deprive citizens of this cherished right (durbar procession).
The durbar usually draws thousands of spectators to the city. However, there is a fear of clashes between the supporters of the two rival emirs.
The Sallah Durbar procession is usually held twice a year. It is a symbol of the cultural heritage of Kano and some ancient towns in Northern Nigeria.
The Durbar features four days of grandeur, horsemanship and equestrian parades. Beginning with Hawan Sallah, it moves to Hawan Daushe, Hawan Nassarawa, and ends with Hawan Doriya and Fanisau.
Each day of the procession has its unique cultural meaning.
