Former Kano State Governor, , has said that only the Supreme Court can finally determine the ongoing dispute over the Kano Emirship, stressing that whatever judgment is delivered will be binding on all parties involved.
Ganduje made the clarification on Wednesday amid renewed tensions surrounding the Kano traditional leadership crisis, which has continued to generate conflicting claims, political debate, and legal battles.
His remarks come in response to reports alleging that he had endorsed as Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Chiefs.
In a statement issued through his former Commissioner for Information and Chief of Staff, Muhammad Garba, Ganduje dismissed the claims, explaining that his reference to Sanusi by his traditional title at a public event was purely a matter of protocol and respect, not an endorsement.
He maintained that the emirship matter remains before the courts and warned against comments capable of undermining ongoing judicial proceedings or amounting to contempt of court.
According to him, the Court of Appeal had earlier directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the final decision of the Supreme Court. He added that the current legal position recognises both and Sanusi in different contexts, pending the apex court’s final ruling.
Ganduje further stated that he has no constitutional authority to decide or endorse any claimant to the throne, noting that the issue lies squarely within the judiciary and ultimately the implementation authority of the Kano State Government.
He also criticised sections of the media for what he described as misinterpreting a routine act of courtesy, saying the matter had been exaggerated.
The Kano Emirship dispute has remained one of Nigeria’s most prominent traditional leadership crises in recent years, drawing widespread public and legal attention as stakeholders await the Supreme Court’s final verdict, expected to settle the matter conclusively.
