In a significant political move, the Kano State House of Assembly has dissolved the four newly created emirate councils established by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. The decision was made during a plenary session on Thursday following thorough deliberations.
The dissolution came as the Kano State Emirates Council Amendment Bill swiftly passed its second and third readings in the Assembly. Deputy Speaker Muhammad Butu articulated the rationale behind repealing the law, asserting that the division of the Kano emirate into five had undermined the state’s historical prestige and national standing.
Majority Leader Alhaji Lawan Dala supported this sentiment, emphasizing that the creation of additional emirates had disrupted the cultural heritage traditionally preserved by the singular Kano emirate.
With the amendment, Kano returns to a single emirate structure, revoking the establishment of the four new emirates. The Assembly also approved a motion to establish a new second-class emirate council, which could potentially facilitate the return of the deposed Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II.
This legislative action follows statements made earlier this year by former Kano governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabi’u Kwankwaso. He had indicated that the issue of the newly created emirates would be revisited. Kwankwaso, addressing the victory of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in the recent elections, had mentioned that the government of Abba Kabir Yusuf would reassess the changes made by Ganduje.
Former Governor Ganduje had restructured the Kano emirate into five distinct entities and dethroned Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, a move that had stirred considerable controversy and political tension. Kwankwaso had previously hinted at a review of these actions, suggesting that the decisions made were not in the best interests of the state and were driven by ulterior motives.
“Honestly, it is one of the issues that nobody has discussed with me in detail, but I am sure we will address it. Whether it is to be maintained, reversed, or adjusted, it will be revisited, and the appropriate actions will be taken,” Kwankwaso had stated. He stressed that the creation of the new emirates was seen by many as politically motivated and not done in good faith.
The recent legislative session marks a decisive step in restoring the traditional structure of the Kano emirate and addressing the political changes introduced by Ganduje’s administration. The decision underscores ongoing efforts to preserve Kano’s cultural and historical integrity.
