JUST IN: Kano House of Assembly Repeals Law Creating Five Emirates
Kano, Nigeria – The Kano State House of Assembly has repealed the law that established five separate emirates within the state. On Thursday, legislators passed the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024 during a plenary session.
In May 2019, the assembly had approved an amendment to the Kano State Emirate Council Law, which led to the division of the Kano Emirate into five distinct emirates: Kano, Rano, Gaya, Karaye, and Bichi. This move was widely seen as an attempt to diminish the influence of then-Emir Muhammadu Sanusi. Shortly thereafter, the bill was signed into law by the then-governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.
In March 2020, Ganduje removed Sanusi from his position as Emir of Kano, citing “total disrespect to lawful instructions from the office of the governor.”
During a plenary session last Tuesday, Lawan Hussaini Dala, the majority leader, introduced a motion to amend the law. Dala argued that the original legislation was not conceived in good faith and expressed concerns regarding the creation of the new emirates. Following the debate, the house resolved to repeal the law.
The newly passed bill aims to abolish the five emirates and nullify all appointments and offices that were created as a result of the 2019 law. It also mandates the restoration of the traditional Kano emirate system.
Sources indicate that Abba Yusuf, the current governor of Kano, is expected to sign the repeal bill into law today.
