Former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, on Wednesday said only the Supreme Court can determine the fate of Muhammadu Sanusi II in the protracted Kano emirship dispute, stressing that any eventual ruling would be binding on all parties, including the state government.
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Ganduje’s position comes amid renewed controversy over the Kano throne, following conflicting claims and legal battles that have kept the emirship tussle in the courts, even as political and traditional stakeholders continue to weigh in.
The immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress was reacting to reports suggesting that he had endorsed Sanusi as Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs.
In a statement signed by his former Commissioner for Information and Chief of Staff, Muhammad Garba, Ganduje dismissed the reports as a misinterpretation, explaining that his reference to Sanusi by his traditional title during the swearing-in ceremony of the Deputy Governor was merely in line with established protocol.
“It is important to clarify that what happened was simply an expression of respect in a public gathering. It should not be misconstrued as an endorsement,” he said.
He emphasised that the emirship matter remains sub judice, warning against public statements that could prejudice ongoing judicial proceedings or amount to contempt of court.
Ganduje recalled that the Court of Appeal had earlier directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the final determination of the case at the apex court.
“The subsisting legal position recognises Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano and Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 14th Emir, pending the final judgment of the Supreme Court,” he explained.
The former governor further maintained that he lacks the constitutional authority to endorse or reject any claimant to the emirship, noting that the dispute rests squarely with the judiciary and, ultimately, the Kano State Government in terms of implementation.
His comments reflect the delicate balance between traditional institutions and legal authority in Nigeria, where chieftaincy disputes often intersect with politics and governance.
Ganduje also faulted sections of the media for amplifying what he described as a routine act of courtesy, saying the situation had been blown out of proportion.
“The interpretation being given to the remark is clearly exaggerated. I urge all parties to exercise restraint and await the Supreme Court judgment which is expected to deliver in April next year,” he said.
The Kano emirship dispute, one of the most high-profile traditional institution crises in recent years, continues to generate national attention as stakeholders await the Supreme Court’s final pronouncement, which is expected to decisively settle the contest over the ancient throne.
Recall that Muhammadu Sañusi II was reinstated as the 16th Emir of Kano in May 2024 following the removal of the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, after Yusuf signed the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024.
The law repealed the Kano State Emirates Council Law of 2019 and dissolved the emirate councils created under the previous administration.
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