Security operatives on Friday surrounded the official residence of the Galadima of Kano, following the controversial emergence of two individuals claiming the revered traditional title.
The turbaning of the two individuals followed the recent passing of the former Galadiman Kano, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, creating a vacuum which both factions sought to fill.
The Kano emirate has been plunged into a leadership crisis following the controversial reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi as the emir by the state government, four years after his removal from the throne.
Alhaji Aminu Bayero, who was installed following Sanusi’s deposition in 2020, has refused to step down, insisting on his legitimacy.
Both Sanusi and Bayero have been at loggerheads over who is the legitimate monarch of the ancient city.
On Friday, the Kano State Government-backed Sanusi elevated Wamban Kano, Alhaji Mannir Sanusi, to the position of Galadiman Kano at his palace.
Also, a rival emirate faction loyal to Bayero announced a parallel appointment of Alhaji Sanusi Ado Bayero as Galadiman Kano at a separate ceremony held at the Nasarawa mini-palace.
Saturday PUNCH gathered that following the stalemate, heavily armed security personnel arrived at the Galadima House, located in the Galadanci area of the ancient city, early Friday, sealing off the area and restricting access.
The move, according to a security source who preferred not to be named because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, was to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the state.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the security agencies or the state government over the development.
At the ceremony held at the Kano Emirate palace, Sanusi also promoted Turakin Kano, Alhaji Kabir Hashim, to Wamban Kano.
At the same time, Tafidan Kano, Alhaji Mahmoud Bayero, was elevated to Turakin Kano.
Others elevated included Alhaji Adam Sanusi, who was turbaned as the new Tafidan Kano, and Alhaji Ahmad Sanusi, who assumed the role of Yariman Kano.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sanusi said: “These titles are not merely symbolic but represent a call to service, dedication, and integrity. I urge you all to uphold the dignity of the institution, work with your local councils, and serve your communities with justice, fairness, and humility.”
He noted that the appointments were based on merit and humanitarian contributions across various sectors, and directed the new titleholders to cooperate with their respective local government chairmen to promote development and good governance.