The former governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, has said the supreme court will determine the dispute surrounding the Kano emirship stool.
The former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) clarified that his recent public greeting to Muhammadu Sanusi II should not be interpreted as support for his return as Emir of Kano.
BACKGROUND
During the inauguration of Kano’s new deputy governor on Tuesday, Ganduje addressed Sanusi as the Emir of Kano and chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs, a gesture that drew applause from dignitaries at the event.
Sanusi was removed as emir by Ganduje in March 2020 over what the former governor described as “total disrespect to lawful instructions from the office of the governor”. Aminu Bayero was later appointed as emir.
However, in May 2024, Kano governor Abba Yusuf reinstated Sanusi and removed Bayero, a decision that sparked a legal battle after Bayero challenged his dethronement in court.
The supreme court recently adjourned hearing on the matter until April 2027.
In a statement issued by Muhammad Garba, Ganduje’s former chief of staff, the ex-governor said his comments at the event were merely a show of courtesy.
“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,” Ganduje said.
He maintained that the final decision on the emirship remains before the apex court, adding that he has no authority to “endorse or reject any claimant to the emirship”.
“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.
“The interpretation being given to the remark is clearly exaggerated. All parties should exercise restraint and await the Supreme Court judgment which is expected to be delivered in April next year.”