KANO — Former Emir of Kano, His Highness Muhammadu Lamido Sanusi II, has been reappointed as the 14th Emir of Kano, 1,545 days after his initial dethronement. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf announced the reappointment on Thursday, following the signing of the Kano State Emirates Council (Amendment number 2) Bill, 2024.
The new legislation repealed laws introduced by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje that had divided the Kano Emirate into five separate emirates and facilitated Sanusi’s removal from office on March 9, 2020. Sanusi, a former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, was subsequently exiled to Lagos.
Governor Yusuf also issued a directive for the immediate eviction of the current emirate leaders from their official residences and properties within 48 hours, handing over these assets to the deputy governor.
Legislative Proceedings
The Kano State House of Assembly held a special session on Thursday, during which the repeal bill was swiftly passed through its second and third readings. The session was presided over by Speaker Jibrin Falgore.
The Majority Leader, Alhaji Lawan Hussaini, who sponsored the bill, stated that the creation of the additional emirates had distorted the traditional structure and prestige of Kano Emirate. “With the repealing of the laws, the Assembly has dissolved the emirates,” he declared.
Reactions and Implications
Following the passage of the bill, Governor Yusuf signed it into law and formally reinstated Sanusi II as Emir of Kano. The governor expressed that the move was aimed at restoring the unity and cultural heritage of Kano State. “This new law will bring unity to the people of Kano and foster sustainable socio-economic development,” he said.
Governor Yusuf emphasized the historical significance of the Kano Emirate, which has endured for over a thousand years. He urged the public to support his administration in its efforts to advance infrastructural development in the state. “We have done what we believe is in the best interest of the state and its people,” he stated.
Dissent in the Assembly
The decision to abolish the additional emirates and reinstate Sanusi was not without controversy. Minority members of the House, led by Minority Leader Ayuba Labaran, staged a walkout in protest. They argued that the process lacked proper consultation and public input. “We believe this issue should be subjected to a public hearing to hear what people want,” said Salisu Ibrahim Mohammed, representing Doguwa Constituency.
Historical Context
The creation of the five new emirates was initially signed into law by former Governor Ganduje on December 5, 2019. This move, which divided the Kano Emirate into five distinct entities—Kano, Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye—was seen by many as politically motivated and controversial.
Future Prospects
The reinstatement of Sanusi II is seen as a fulfillment of campaign promises made by Governor Yusuf and a strategic move to consolidate political and traditional authority in Kano. The governor assured the public that this decision would foster peace and prosperity in the state.
As Sanusi II prepares to reassume his position, the next steps include the formal transition and handling over of properties by the deposed emirs, as well as the organization of the emirate council under the restored traditional structure. The reinstatement is expected to have significant implications for the political and cultural landscape of Kano State.
