In a significant political shift, the Kano State House of Assembly repealed the Kano Emirates Council Law on Thursday, effectively stripping two siblings from the Beyero dynasty—Aminu Ado Bayero and Nasiru Ado Bayero—of their titles as Emirs of Kano and Bichi, respectively. The repeal also impacted other first-class monarchs including Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir of Gaya, Kabiru Muhammad Inuwa of Rano, and Ibrahim Abubakar II of Karaye.
The abolished law, which was originally enacted on December 5, 2019, and subsequently amended on October 14, 2020, and April 11, 2023, had established five distinct emirates: Kano, Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye. Each emirate was allocated specific local government areas within the state, with Kano and Karaye having jurisdiction over eight areas each, Bichi and Gaya over nine each, and Rano over ten out of the state’s 44 local councils.
The decision to repeal the law was driven by the belief that the creation of multiple emirates had diminished Kano’s historical significance and prestige. During the legislative session, Deputy Speaker Alhaji Muhammad Bello Butu Butu articulated that revoking the law would restore the traditional stature and influence of the Kano Emirate. Majority Leader Alhaji Lawan Hussaini Dala also emphasized that the fragmentation of the emirate council had disrupted the preservation of cultural heritage.
This legislative move came after the bill underwent a second and third reading in the House, resulting in a decisive vote. The assembly also adopted a motion to create new second-class emirate councils, aiming to restructure the traditional leadership system in Kano State.
The original law and its amendments had been key initiatives of the former governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who appointed the affected emirs in 2020. The repealing of the law signifies a substantial reversal of Ganduje’s policies, reflecting the current administration’s intent to consolidate the emirate system and reclaim its former glory on both a state and national level.
