Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has reinstated Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, fulfilling a key campaign promise. Governor Yusuf signed a bill on Thursday that repealed the State Emirate Council Law of 2019, which had divided Kano into five emirate councils.
The Kano State House of Assembly passed the bill for the dissolution of the additional emirates and the removal of all five emirs earlier the same day. Governor Yusuf promptly signed the bill at the Government House, reinstating Sanusi and removing the current emirs.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, the governor explained, “The law provided an opportunity for reinstatement of the 14th Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi II and removal of 15th Emir of Kano Aminu Ado Bayero, the Emir of Bichi Nasir Ado Bayero, Emir of Rano Kabiru Muhammad Inuwa, Emir of Karaye Ibrahim Abubakar II, and Emir of Gaya Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir.”
Governor Yusuf emphasized that reinstating Sanusi would promote peace and prosperity, aligning with his campaign commitment to restore Kano’s lost glory and rich cultural heritage. “The return of Muhammad Sanusi II back on the throne will propel peace and prosperity, adding that the repeal of the council law was in realization of his campaign commitments,” he said.
The governor also issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the five former emirs to vacate their palaces and hand over all emirate properties to the office of the deputy governor. He stressed that the new law would foster unity and sustainable socio-economic development in Kano.
“The signing of the bill symbolizes the restoration of the revered legacy of the Kano emirate, which has withstood the test of time for over a thousand years,” Yusuf stated. He urged the residents to support his administration’s efforts to deliver infrastructural advancements that will elevate Kano.
Governor Yusuf assured the public that these changes are in the best interest of Kano and its people. “Everyone should go about their normal activities in the state, we have done what we believe is in the best interest of the state and its people,” he said.
Sanusi’s reinstatement marks his return as the 16th Emir of Kano. Under the new Kano Emirate Repeal Law of 2024, the state now has a unified emirate structure.