Kano Lawmakers Abolish 5 Emirates Created by Ganduje Government

Kano lawmakers are gearing up for a significant legislative session. This Thursday, the Kano State House of Assembly has finalised the amendment of a critical law that has stirred conversations and controversies across the state, the Kano Emirate Council Law of 2019. 

This law, integral to the administrative and cultural framework of the region, initially facilitated the creation of five distinct emirates within Kano State.

The journey to amend this influential piece of legislation began earnestly this week. On Wednesday, the Assembly witnessed the first reading of the bill aiming to modify the 2019 law. 

The motion was moved by Lawan Hussaini, the representative from Dala Constituency and the majority leader. It received robust support from his colleague, Shu’aibu Rabi’u of Dawakin Kudu Constituency.  Following this, the discussion was set to continue in the next day’s session.

The Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media to the state governor, Kwankwason Tuwita confirmed the development on X.

He wrote: “The Kano state house of assembly has passed Kano emirates council law (repeal bill) 2024 after scaling 3rd reading.

“The law has abrogated establishment of 5 new Emirates in the state. All offices established under the repealed law have been set aside by the new bill. Also all district heads elevated or appointed under the repealed law are to revert to their previous positions.”

The Backstory

The 2019 enactment of this law marked a significant reshaping of Kano’s traditional landscape, dividing the state into five emirates and introducing new first-class emirs in Gaya, Rano, Karaye, and Bichi.

This move, however, was not without its hurdles. A legal challenge soon followed, resulting in the state High Court nullifying the creation of the new emirates and the appointment of their leaders.

The law’s initial passage and the subsequent controversy are widely viewed as part of a larger political strategy by then-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. Critics suggest that the expansion of the emirates aimed to dilute the influence of the then Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi. 

Sanusi, a figure both revered and controversial, faced accusations of political involvement and insubordination, which eventually led to his dethronement in March 2020. His successor, Aminu Ado-Bayero, transitioned from leading the Bichi emirate to becoming the Emir of Kano.