Kano assembly asks kingmakers to name new Emir after repeal of emirate law

The Kano state house of assembly has asked kingmakers to name a new Emir following the repeal of the 2019 emirate law.

During plenary on Thursday, the legislators passed the amended Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024.

In March 2020, Abdullahi Ganduje, then Kano governor, deposed Muhammadu Sanusi as Emir of Kano “for total disrespect to lawful instructions from the office of the governor”.

Ganduje relied on the 2019 law, which balkanised the emirate into five districts, to depose Sanusi.

Aminu Ado Bayero was subsequently crowned as Emir.

On Thursday, Lawan Yan Gurasa, majority leader of the house who sponsored the amended bill, told journalists that Ado Bayero is no longer the Emir of Kano with the passage of the new legislation.

“The bill has been sent to the governor for assent. Now, there is no longer an active Emir in Kano in all the five emirates — Kano, Bichi, Gaya, Rano and Karaye,” Yan Gurasa said.

“The law now provides the governor to call on the traditional kingmakers to choose a new king.”

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have been milling round the palace of the Emir since the amended bill was passed by the legislature, in a bid to forestall a breakdown of law and order.

Ado Bayero is reportedly in Ogun state on a private visit to Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland; while Sanusi is attending an investment summit in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital.