Ribadu Refers to Ado Bayero as Emir of Kano at Abuja Event, Sparks Debate

National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu referred to Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero as the Emir of Kano during an event in Abuja on Thursday. The comment, made while Ribadu was recognizing dignitaries at the 1st Annual International Lecture organized by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has reignited the ongoing controversy surrounding the Kano emirate.

Both Bayero and former Emir, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, are currently laying claim to the prestigious Kano throne. Sanusi was dethroned in March 2020 by former Kano Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who installed Bayero as the new emir. However, the political tides shifted in 2024 when Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf removed Bayero and reinstated Sanusi.

The battle for Kano’s emirate has since played out both in the courts and in public opinion. Bayero, after his dismissal, returned to Kano and took up residence in the mini palace at Nasarawa, where he continues to hold court. Reports suggest security around him has been heightened, fueling speculation that he has federal support, despite Governor Yusuf ordering his arrest.

At the Abuja event, Ribadu’s recognition of Bayero as the Emir of Kano drew loud applause from the audience. A 33-second video of the moment was shared by Rabiu Uba Danzainab on social media platform X, captioning it, “Ribadu addressed our Emir as the Legitimate Emir of Kano.”

The comment quickly sparked online reactions, with some supporting Ribadu’s stance, while others questioned his authority to declare Bayero as the legitimate emir. “Only the court of a competent jurisdiction can do so, not Ribadu,” one user posted, underscoring the ongoing legal dispute.