In a decisive move, the Kano State House of Assembly has voted to dethrone the five Emirs and abolish the five Emirates established by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. This significant development occurred during a special session presided over by Speaker RT. Hon. Jibrin Falgore.
The assembly passed the Kano Emirates Council Law (repeal bill) 2024 after its third reading, effectively dismantling the offices and positions created under the previous law. Consequently, all district heads elevated or appointed under the repealed legislation must revert to their former roles.
The new Kano State Emirates Council (Amendment number 2) Law, 2024, was sponsored by Majority Leader Lawan Hussaini Chediyar Yan Gurasa, representing the Dala Constituency. This bill overturns the law that initially established the five emirates on December 5, 2019, and was later amended on October 14, 2020, and April 11, 2023.
Under the repealed law, the five distinct emirates—Kano, Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye—had jurisdiction over various local government areas. Kano and Karaye each oversaw eight local government areas, Bichi and Gaya nine each, and Rano ten, out of the state’s 44 local councils.
The dethronement and abolition follow the deposition of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi on March 9, 2020. Following his removal, the law was amended to appoint the Emir of Kano as the council’s chairman. The amended law also empowered the governor to grade the office of an emir, subject to the approval of the House of Assembly.
A principal officer of the assembly, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the assembly’s decision to amend the law was resolute and would not be influenced by external pressures.
This legislative action marks a pivotal change in Kano State’s governance, reflecting broader shifts in the region’s traditional and political structures.
