Five Things To Know About New Kano Emirate Council Law
As the Kano State House of Assembly enacts a new law that returns the traditional leadership structure to what obtained before 2019, tongues are wagging on the state of the current Emir and that of the deposed predecessor, Sanusi Lamido.
The new law empowers the Governor to restore the system accordingly.
As a result, speculations are rife that Lamido may regain his traditional prominence.
This is as the Majority leader of the Kano House of Assembly, Lawal Hussaini Chediyar Yan Gurasa, said on Thursday, there was no single emir in Kano State at the moment.
The lawmaker said this after the Kano State Emirs (Appointment and Deposition) Law was repealed on Thursday.
“This bill in its entity has abrogated the establishment of 5 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. That’s what the Bill is now all about and there was a plan to create an additional second class Emir after this.”
“This means that the remaining 5 emirs are no longer in existence. There is no Emir now in Kano. It is now the decision of the governor to appoint a new emir. The Bill has empowered the governor to invite the kingmakers to nominate a new king. So we are now waiting for the governor to ascent to the Bill if he wishes and invite the kingmakers to give him a new king.
“The abolished emirate did nothing but create division among the indigence of kano. The unity which was visible thousands of years in Kano was divided. We are now reverting back to our old historical background; one Kano, one people, one Emir.
“We expect cooperation from the people of Kano. This is a welcome development. Kano is now United. That is what we are hoping that the people of Kano would cooperate. We need their maximum cooperation and prayer towards the peace and development of our great state,” he said.
As ‘Daily Trust’ highlights, here are the essential features of the new law:
This legal reform is encapsulated in the Kano State Emirates Council (Repeal) Bill, 2024 (1445 A.H).
The new law aims to preserve the historical integrity of the Kano Emirate, while addressing the controversies and disruptions caused by the 2019 law.
Here are the five most important things you need to know about the legislation:
1. Complete Repeal of Previous Laws
The new law repeals the Kano State Emirates Council Law of 2019, along with its subsequent amendments.
2. Abolishment of the Five Newly Created Emirates
All emirates that were created under the now-repealed 2019 law are dissolved. This includes the abrogation of all positions and titles that were established as part of these new emirates.
The appointments and elevations that took place under the 2019 law are annulled, reverting the system to its pre-2019 status.
3. Restoration of Traditional Titles
Individuals who were given titles or positions under the repealed 2019 law will return to their previous roles, provided those roles existed according to traditional customs before the enactment of the now-defunct law.
This move aims to restore the historical and cultural status quo of the Kano Emirate.
4. Governor’s Authority
The Governor of Kano State is empowered to take all necessary actions to restore the traditional emirate system to its state before the 2019 law was passed.
This includes reinstating the powers and structures that were in place prior to the controversial 2019 reforms.
5. Transitional Oversight by Commissioner for Local Government
The Commissioner for Local Government is tasked with managing the transition process.
This includes handling the assets and liabilities of the abolished emirates and ensuring a smooth transition back to the traditional structure.
