He handed the Kanpaku position to his eldest son, Norizane KUJO in July 1231, but reigned as the strongest ruler of the Imperial Court and was promoted to Juichii rank (Junior First Rank).
寛喜3年（1231年）7月、長男の九条教実に関白職を譲ったが、なおも朝廷の最大実力者として君臨し、従一位にまで栄進する。