The proposed Kano State Emirate Council Law 2024, passed by the Kano State House of Assembly on Thursday, May 23, effectively dethrones Alh. Aminu Ado Bayero as Emir of Kano and recognizes former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Lamido Sanusi, as the Emir of Kano.
The new law has prompted significant changes in the state’s traditional leadership structure. Sanusi’s portrait has already replaced that of Aminu Bayero on the giant wall of the Coronation Hall of Government House, Kano, Nigeria, signaling Sanusi’s return to the palace.
A prelude to Sanusi’s official reinstallation was the amendment of the Kano State Emirates Council Law 2024 (1441 A.H) by the House of Assembly after the bill scaled its third reading on Thursday. The amended law stipulates:
“All traditional office holders and title holders elevated or appointed to an office created under the repealed Principal Law, dated 5th December 2019, shall revert to their position where such positions previously existed under recognized custom and traditions prior to the enactment of the repealed Principal Law dated 5th December 2019.”
The amended law further directs the Commissioner responsible for Local Government to oversee all transitional arrangements, including managing the assets and liabilities of the abolished emirates and the new structure created under the repealed Principal Law dated December 5, 2019.
Governor Abba Yusuf is expected to give his assent to the proposed amendment law on Thursday before making any official announcements.
According to reports, Aminu Bayero fled the palace and Kano on Wednesday, May 22, heading to Ijebu and is currently in Ilorin.
The amendment states: “The governor shall take all necessary measures to restore the status of the Kano Emirate System to its positions prior to the enactment of the repealed Principal Law dated 5th December 2019.”
Sanusi, who became Emir during the final term of Governor Kwankwaso, was dethroned by the outgoing Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. Sanusi was removed on March 9, 2020, and banished to Loko, a remote community in Nasarawa State. His tenure saw the creation of four new emirates by the Ganduje administration—Bichi, Karaye, Rano, Gaya, and Kano—all designated as First Class Emirs.
However, the present state Assembly has abolished all the new emirates created by ex-governor Ganduje.
Governor Abba Yusuf has yet to make an official announcement regarding the developments as of the time of filing this report.
