The Kano State House of Assembly has passed the Kano Emirates Council Law (Repeal Bill) 2024 after its third reading, effectively abolishing the establishment of five new Emirates in the state. All offices created under the repealed law have been nullified by the new bill, and district heads elevated or appointed under the previous law are instructed to revert to their former positions.
The law, sponsored by Lawan Hussaini Chediyar Yan Gurasa, the Majority Leader and member representing the Dala Constituency, marks a significant reversal of the legislation that created five distinct emirates: Kano, Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye. Initially assented to by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on December 5, 2019, the law underwent amendments, with the governor assenting to revisions on October 14, 2020, and April 11, 2023.
Under the law’s provisions, Kano and Karaye emirates held jurisdiction over eight local government areas each, while Bichi and Gaya emirates oversaw nine local government areas each. Rano Emirate, on the other hand, enjoyed jurisdiction over ten local government areas out of the total 44 in the state.
Following the deposition of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi, who chaired the council, on March 9, 2020, amendments were made to the law, designating the chairman of the council as the Emir of Kano Emirate.
Section 12 of the law empowered the governor to grade the office of an emir as first, second, or third class, subject to the approval of the House of Assembly.
A principal officer of the assembly, speaking on condition of anonymity, asserted that the assembly had the authority to amend the law regardless of opposition.