Muhammadu Sanusi II has been reinstated as the Emir of Kano, marking a significant reversal after his dethronement four years ago. All five emirs appointed by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje must vacate their seats within 48 hours and return all properties to the Commissioner of Local Governments.
Legislative Action and Governor’s Compliance
The State House of Assembly passed an amended law directing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to restore the Kano Emirate System to its pre-December 2019 status. Complying with this directive, Governor Yusuf reinstated Sanusi as Emir. The legislation, passed on Thursday, dissolved the five emirates created by former Governor Ganduje: Bichi, Rano, Gaya, Karaye, and the Kano Emirate.
Political Background and Amendment Process
Majority Leader Lawal Chediyar Yangurasa and Dala Constituency member sought approval to amend the laws initially changed in 2019. This amendment had fragmented the Kano Emirate into five distinct emirates amid tensions between Governor Ganduje and Emir Sanusi, leading to Sanusi’s dethronement.
NNPP’s Election Victory and Speculations
Following the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP)’s victory in the 2023 elections, political leader Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso announced that the new government would review the fragmentation and dethronement of the Kano Emirate. Speculations about whether Governor Yusuf would reverse the changes and restore the old Kano Emirate prompted the Assembly’s amendment.
Transition and Asset Management
The repealed law stated that all traditional officeholders and titleholders appointed under the 2019 Principal Law must revert to their previous positions. The new law mandated the Governor to take all necessary measures to restore the Kano Emirate System to its prior status. The Commissioner for Local Government will manage the transition, overseeing the assets and liabilities of the abolished emirates.
Former Emirs’ Status and Public Reaction
Under the repealed law, dethroned Emir Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, who controlled only eight of the state’s 44 local government councils, will return to his former position as the Wambai of Kano. Bayero was reportedly on an official trip outside the state, while the locations of the other dethroned emirs were unknown at the time of reporting. The state government summoned the four Kano kingmakers, who also serve as district heads, to reinstate Sanusi as Emir. Many Kano residents, especially Sanusi’s supporters, celebrated in anticipation of his arrival to lead Friday prayers and officially resume his role as Emir of Kano.
