The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Thursday, added fuel to the ongoing royal dispute in Kano by addressing Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero as the Emir of Kano during an international lecture in Abuja.

This comes amid the long-standing contest for the revered Kano throne between Bayero and former Emir Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi.

The dispute dates back to March 2020, when former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje dethroned Sanusi and appointed Bayero as Emir.

However, in 2024, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reversed this decision by sacking Bayero and reinstating Sanusi.

Bayero, who was outside Kano when the announcement was made, returned and set up his court in a mini palace in Nasarawa, defying orders for his arrest and raising speculation of federal support.

At the 1st Annual International Lecture organized by the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, Ribadu’s remark recognizing Bayero as the Emir of Kano drew applause from the audience.

“Of course, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero,” Ribadu stated, sparking widespread reactions both in the hall and online.

The ongoing power struggle has seen Bayero and Sanusi filing legal suits to challenge each other’s claims to the throne.

Meanwhile, social media users expressed divided opinions over Ribadu’s public recognition of Bayero.

While some hailed the acknowledgement, others criticized it as premature, insisting that only a court could settle the dispute.

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