The Saga of the Kano Emirate

In Kano, a tussle for the emirate’s throne between Muhammadu Sanusi II and Aminu Ado Bayero has revealed the shaky legitimacy of traditional Nigerian monarchs. How their once inviolable thrones, emblematic of timeless authority and cultural heritage, now teeter under the weight of modern Nigerian politics.

For many Africans, leadership has historically been best espoused through the numerous monarchs and traditional leaders that dot the continent. History is filled with records and achievements of Kings and Queens waging wars, conquering cities and showing service from their thrones. Independence-era leaders, many of whom would later take on attempted monarchies of their own, are rivalled only by the many leaders who fought bravely against colonial efforts and remain icons, albeit mostly relegated to history books. As a result of this history, with many stools predating modern African countries with their colonial imprints, many thrones are revered for the longevity and legacy they represent.

Yet this status is at threat by a force stronger than colonial imposition, religious movements or even populist revolutions—retail politics. Most Nigerian thrones no longer follow set succession formats, to eldest children or designated heirs, but are appointed by state governors because of the patronage that comes with the role. Governors are often given names from a shortlist curated by kingmakers, from which they select an individual with outsized influence who could play a key role in consolidating a politician’s influence in their state. For example, Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos, crowned in 2003 by then-Lagos governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been a steadfast ally and repeatedly criticized Igbos for voting against Tinubu’s party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Perhaps no throne has been as politicized in recent years as the Kano Emirate. In a scene reminiscent of HBO’s Game of Thrones or a drama set in ancient feudal times, there are two claimants to the throne, and they are supported by different political groups. On the one hand, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi was appointed by Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, dethroned by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and reappointed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. On the other, Emir Aminu Ado Bayero was appointed by Governor Ganduje and the attempted removal by Governor Yusuf has led to a controversy in a key state in the country.

This incident has brought the nation’s most populous state, according to official records, and the commercial capital of the north, to a standstill. Regrettably, the victims of the comedy of errors are the citizens and followers who are rightly bemused as to which leader to genuflect for...