Kano State, Governor Abba Yusuf is currently engaged in a closed-door meeting with state assembly members and key traditional leaders, widely believed to be kingmakers, at the Government House in Kano.
The governor is expected to sign into law a bill passed by the state assembly on Thursday, which seeks to reverse the controversial creation of new emirates by the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
If assented to, this legislative action could pave the way for the return of the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who was deposed in March 2020.
However, the future of Sanusi’s successor, Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, remains uncertain.
Emir Ado Bayero is currently out of town, having visited Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, on Wednesday.
Historical Context
Sanusi, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), was appointed the 14th Emir of Kano in June 2014 by then-Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, with Ganduje serving as his deputy.
Sanusi’s tenure was marked by a contentious relationship with Ganduje, culminating in his removal in March 2020 under the Kano State Emirs (Appointment and Deposition) Law enacted in 2019.
This law not only deposed Sanusi but also fragmented the Kano emirate into five, creating new emirates in Rano, Karaye, Gaya, and Bichi.
The Ganduje administration justified Sanusi’s removal by citing his alleged “total disrespect” for traditional institutions and the governor’s office, claiming the action was necessary “to safeguard the sanctity, culture, tradition, religion, and prestige of the Kano emirate.”
However, Sanusi’s supporters argue that his ousting was politically motivated, rooted in his opposition to Ganduje’s re-election in 2019.
Legislative Reversal
Five years after Sanusi’s removal, the Kano State House of Assembly, now dominated by the opposition New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has resolved to amend the law that led to his deposition.
The motion was moved by Majority Leader Hussien Dala during a plenary session.
“The need to revisit the Emirs Law has become imperative to address the issues that have arisen from the 2019 amendment.
We must ensure that our traditional institutions are governed by laws that reflect fairness and justice,” Dala stated.
Speaker of the Kano House of Assembly, Jibril Isma’il Falgore, assured that the amendment process would be conducted transparently and in accordance with due process.
Political Underpinnings
The NNPP, which currently holds sway in Kano, is led by Rabiu Kwankwaso, the political mentor of Governor Yusuf.
During his 2023 presidential campaign, Kwankwaso pledged to address the issue of Sanusi’s removal, reflecting the party’s commitment to revisiting the controversial law.
Awaited Decision
As Governor Yusuf’s decision looms, the political and cultural stakes in Kano are high.
The potential reinstatement of Sanusi would not only restore a significant traditional leader but also mark a significant reversal of Ganduje’s policies.
This development is closely watched by the people of Kano, given the emirate’s historical significance and its role in the state’s cultural heritage.
The outcome of this meeting and the governor’s subsequent decision will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for Kano’s traditional institutions and its political landscape.
