Kano, Nigeria – Muhammadu Sanusi II has been reinstated as the Emir of Kano by Governor Abba Yusuf, four years after his deposition. The announcement was made on Thursday following the governor’s signing of the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024 into law.
Governor Yusuf confirmed the reappointment with the full backing of the kingmakers. “With the full support of the kingmakers, I have approved the reappointment of Malam Sanusi Lamido,” he stated.
The newly enacted law supersedes the Kano State Emirates Council Law of 2019, effectively dissolving the emirate councils created by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. In December 2019, Ganduje had established the emirates of Karaye, Bichi, Rano, and Gaya in addition to Kano. Sanusi II was dethroned by Ganduje in March 2020 after a prolonged dispute.
Earlier on Thursday, the Kano State Assembly passed the repeal bill into law during a plenary session. Deputy Speaker Muhammad Butu explained that the repeal aimed to restore Kano's lost glory, as the division of the Kano emirate into five parts had diminished its national stature.
Majority Leader Lawal Hussaini Chediyar Yan Gurasa emphasized the significance of the move, stating, “This bill has completely abrogated the establishment of the five new Emirates in the state and reverted to the former status of a single Emir in Kano, which we inherited since the Jihad of Shehu Usman Dan Fodio. The abolished Emirates only created division among the people of Kano. We are now returning to our historical roots: one Kano, one people, one Emir.”
