KANO, NIGERIA – In a decisive move following the reinstatement of Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has ordered the Emirs removed by this action to vacate their palaces within the next 48 hours. This directive affects the Emirs appointed by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje when he split the Kano Emirate into five distinct emirates.
The affected emirates, which were established under Ganduje’s administration, include Karaye, Gaya, Bichi, and Rano. The recent legislative shift came after the Kano State House of Assembly, dominated by the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), repealed the law that Ganduje used to implement these changes. The bill, swiftly passed by the Assembly, was signed into law by Governor Yusuf on Thursday evening.
At a media briefing held after the signing, Governor Yusuf directed the ousted monarchs to leave their official residences and palaces, handing over their offices to the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs within two days. This move underscores the administration’s commitment to restoring the traditional emirate structure and addressing the controversies that arose from the previous government’s reforms.
The reinstatement of Sanusi, who was dethroned in 2020 amid personal and political disputes with Ganduje, marks a significant reversal of the former governor’s policies. Governor Yusuf’s actions reflect a strong stance on restoring historical and traditional governance structures in Kano.
The governor’s directive is expected to bring significant changes to the local governance and chieftaincy landscape in Kano. As the affected emirs comply with the order, the focus will shift to how these changes will impact the stability and administration of the regions previously governed under the now-abolished emirates.
This development is being closely watched as it represents not only a restoration of traditional roles but also a potential shift in the political dynamics within Kano State.