Governor Yusuf Signs New Law to Restore Sanusi’s Position
Four years after being dethroned, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II has been reinstated as the Emir of Kano. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State made the announcement after signing a new Emirate Council Law at the Government House.
Governor Yusuf signed the law at 5:10 p.m., accompanied by his deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, Speaker of the State Assembly Rt. Hon. Jibril Isma’il Falgore, and other government officials. Sanusi, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, was first appointed Emir in 2014 but was removed by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in a publicized dispute.
Ganduje had split the Kano Emirate into five parts, creating new emirates and appointing first-class emirs for Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya. Sanusi was accused of insubordination and dethroned. His supporters claimed the real reason was his alleged support for Governor Yusuf in the 2019 election.
Reinstatement Process
Governor Yusuf had promised during his 2023 campaign to reverse Ganduje’s decisions, including the creation of the new emirates and Sanusi’s dethronement. After a petition to the state House of Assembly, the law used to remove Sanusi was reviewed and repealed. The new Kano Emirates Council Law (Repeal Bill) 2024 was passed, and the governor signed it into law.
The new law abolishes the five new emirates and reinstates Sanusi as the sole Emir of Kano. Governor Yusuf announced that the five emirs affected by this change must vacate their palaces within 48 hours.
Governor’s Announcement
Governor Yusuf emphasized that the decision was in the best interest of Kano’s people. He expressed confidence that Sanusi’s return would bring unity and promote socio-economic development in the state. He urged the public to support his administration in advancing Kano’s infrastructure and restoring its cultural heritage.
Reactions and Legal Actions
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) expressed concerns about the changes in Kano’s traditional leadership. They warned that frequent dethronements weaken the authority of traditional rulers and threaten cultural unity. NEF called for the re-empowerment of traditional leaders to maintain their significant roles in society.
Meanwhile, Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan Agundi, Sarkin Dawaki Babba of Kano, has approached the Federal High Court to challenge the Assembly’s actions. The court will decide on the legality of the recent changes.
Sanusi’s Return
Sanusi is expected to arrive in Kano from Lagos today. Arrangements have been made for his reception at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport. He will meet with the governor and other officials before heading to the emir’s palace to resume his duties.
This development marks a significant turn in Kano’s traditional leadership, highlighting the ongoing power struggles and their impact on the region’s cultural and political landscape.
