The Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has approved the appointment of three second-class emirs, as announced by Sanusi Bature, the Director General of Press to the Governor.
The newly appointed emirs are Alhaji Muhammad Mahraz Karaye, Emir of Karaye; Alhaji Muhammad Isa Umar, Emir of Rano; and Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir Gaya, Emir of Gaya.
These appointments, which take immediate effect, position the new emirates as second-class emirates with Kano as the first-class emirate.
Alhaji Muhammad Karaye, previously the District Head of Rogo, is now the Emir of Karaye. Alhaji Muhammad Umar, formerly the District Head of Bunkure, has been appointed Emir of Rano.
Alhaji Aliyu Abdulkadir Gaya, who was the emir of the defunct Gaya emirate before his recent dethronement, is now the Emir of Gaya.
This development follows the signing of the Kano State Emirate Council Establishment Bill 2024 into law by Governor Yusuf on Tuesday.
The legislation, passed by the State House of Assembly, aims to bridge the gap between the grassroots and the government while preserving the rich cultural values and norms of the people.
The new law establishes second-class Emirate Councils in Rano, Gaya, and Karaye, each responsible for specific local government areas.
Governor Yusuf stated, “The Rano Emirate consists of Rano, Kibiya, and Bunkure Local Government Areas. Gaya Emirate consists of Gaya, Albasu, and Ajingi Local Government Areas, while Karaye Emirate consists of Karaye and Rogo Local Government Areas.”
According to the governor, these councils will have the authority to advise the Emir of Kano on matters related to public order and boundary disputes within their jurisdictions.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Governor Yusuf emphasized the importance of the law, saying, “This law is vital in sustaining the rich cultural values and norms of our people.
It will also bridge the gap between the grassroots and the government.” The existing Kano Emirate Council, headed by a first-class Emir as Chairman, will be supported by these second-class Emirate Councils, whose jurisdiction will be limited to their respective local government areas.
The Speaker of the House, Jibrin Falgore, reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to promoting the well-being of Kano State’s people, stating, “We are dedicated to passing laws that enhance the governance structure and improve the lives of our citizens.”
This development is expected to positively impact the governance structure of Kano State, ensuring that traditional institutions play a crucial role in local administration and cultural preservation.
In May, Governor Yusuf made a controversial decision to dethrone Emir Aminu Ado Bayero as Kano Emir and reinstate Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, who had been removed by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje six years prior. This decision has sparked legal battles in the state.
