He got into an argument with Akizane NIJO over the position of Kanpaku (the chief adviser to the Emperor), an incident known as the "Kanpaku Soron," which, following maneuvering by Harusue KIKUTEI, provided Hideyoshi TOYOTOMI with an excuse for assuming the position of Kanpaku.
関白の位をめぐり二条昭実と口論（関白相論）となり、菊亭晴季の蠢動で、豊臣秀吉に関白就任の口実を与えてしまった。