Former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, has said that only the Supreme Court of Nigeria can finally resolve the ongoing Kano emirship dispute, stressing that whatever decision the court reaches will be binding on all parties involved.
Ganduje made this known on Wednesday while reacting to reports that suggested he had endorsed Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs.
The former governor, who also served as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, dismissed the reports as a misunderstanding, saying his actions had been wrongly interpreted.
In a statement issued on his behalf by his former Commissioner for Information and Chief of Staff, Muhammad Garba, Ganduje explained that his reference to Sanusi by his traditional title during a recent public event was simply a matter of protocol and respect.
“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,” the statement said.
The clarification comes amid renewed tension over the Kano emirship, one of the most prominent traditional institutions in northern Nigeria. The dispute has been ongoing for several years and has involved political, legal, and traditional stakeholders.
At the centre of the crisis are two key figures — Muhammadu Sanusi II, who was removed as Emir in 2020 during Ganduje’s administration, and Aminu Ado Bayero, who was appointed shortly after Sanusi’s removal.
Sanusi, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, had served as Emir before his dethronement, which was widely seen as controversial and linked to political disagreements with the state government at the time.
Following his removal, the Kano emirate was restructured into multiple emirates, a move that further complicated the traditional leadership system in the state.
However, recent political changes in Kano have reignited the debate over the emirship, with legal battles continuing over who should occupy the throne.
Ganduje noted that the matter is currently before the courts and warned against making statements that could interfere with the judicial process.
He stressed that the issue remains sub judice, meaning it is under judicial consideration, and therefore public comments must be made with caution.
The former governor also recalled that the Court of Appeal had earlier directed all parties to maintain the status quo until the case is finally decided by the Supreme Court.
According to him, the current legal position recognises Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano, while Muhammadu Sanusi II is regarded as the 14th Emir, pending the final ruling of 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.
Ganduje further stated that he does not have the constitutional authority to endorse or reject any claimant to the emirship, noting that the final decision lies with the judiciary.
He added that once the Supreme Court delivers its judgment, it will be the responsibility of the Kano State Government to implement the ruling.
His comments highlight the complex relationship between traditional institutions and modern governance in Nigeria, where disputes over chieftaincy titles often end up in court.
Such disputes are not uncommon, especially in northern Nigeria, where traditional rulers play significant roles in community leadership, conflict resolution, and cultural preservation.
Ganduje also criticised sections of the media for what he described as exaggeration of his remarks, 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,” he said.
He expressed hope that the apex court would deliver its ruling by April next year, bringing an end to the long-running dispute.
Many stakeholders, including traditional leaders, politicians, and residents of Kano, have continued to follow developments closely, as the issue remains a sensitive and important matter.
They argue that a clear and final decision from the Supreme Court will help restore certainty and allow the institution to move forward.
Others have called for calm among supporters of both sides, warning that the dispute should not lead to tension or conflict among residents.
The Kano State Government has also been urged to respect the rule of law and ensure that the court’s final decision is implemented peacefully.
For now, all eyes remain on the Supreme Court as Nigerians await its judgment on the matter.
As Ganduje highlighted, the court’s ruling will be final and binding, marking a decisive moment in the struggle over the Kano throne.
Until then, stakeholders have been advised to avoid actions or statements that could inflame tensions and instead allow the legal process to run its course.
The coming months are expected to be crucial as the case moves closer to its conclusion, with many hoping that the final verdict will bring lasting peace to the Kano emirship and put an end to years of uncertainty surrounding the ancient throne.