New Kano Emirate Council Law: Will Sanusi be reinstalled?

Introduction

The recent passing of the New Kano Emirate Council Law has sparked a wave of excitement and anticipation amongst the people of Kano. With the reinstatement of the five demoted kingmakers to their former positions and the empowering of the traditional rulers to reconvene and reinstall Muhammadu Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, the city is abuzz with speculation and hope. But the question on many minds is, can Sanusi be reinstalled? Let’s delve into the details and implications of this new law.

Restoring Traditional Hierarchies

The New Kano Emirate Councils Law explicitly states that “the Governor shall take all necessary measures to restore the status of the Kano Emirate System to its positions prior to the enactment of the repealed Principal Law dated 5th December, 2019.” This provision effectively gives the State Government the authority to reappoint Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, emphasizing a return to the traditional power structures that existed before the controversial 2019 law.

Reversion to Customary Positions

Furthermore, the law dictates that “the traditional office holders and title holders elevated or appointed to office created under the repealed Principal Law, dated 5th December, 2019, shall revert to their position where such positions previously existed under recognized custom and traditions.” This clause reinstates the demoted five kingmakers, granting them the authority to select the new Emir, who will ultimately receive the endorsement of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Empowering the Traditional Rulers

The law states that the Governor shall take all necessary measures to restore the status of the Kano Emirate System to its positions prior to the enactment of the repealed Principal Law dated 5th December, 2019. This directive gives the State Government the authority to reappoint Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, reinstating him to his former position. Additionally, all traditional office holders and title holders elevated or appointed under the repealed Principal Law are to revert to their original positions as per recognized customs and traditions.

The Role of the Commissioner

The New Kano Emirate Councils Law also stipulates that the commissioner responsible for Local Government will oversee all transitional arrangements. These arrangements include the management of assets and liabilities of the abolished emirates and the new structure created under the repealed Principal Law dated 5th December, 2019. This ensures a smooth transition back to the traditional leadership model and highlights the importance of preserving local customs and traditions.

A New Era for Kano

The New Kano Emirate Councils Law represents a significant shift in the political landscape of Kano State. By reinstating the demoted kingmakers and empowering them to reinstall the Emir, the law highlights the state government’s commitment to preserving traditional customs and hierarchies. This move not only restores the historical power dynamics within the Kano Emirate System but also paves the way for a new era of leadership and governance in the state.

Background to Sanusi’s Dethronement as Emir of Kano

Recall that the news of the dethronement and banishment of the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, by the former governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, sparked widespread controversy and raised questions about the traditional institution in Nigeria. The culmination of the feud between Emir Sanusi and Governor Ganduje came on March 9, 2020, when the Kano State Government announced the removal of Sanusi as the Emir of Kano. The governor cited persistent insubordination and disrespect to the office of the governor as reasons for the dethronement. Shortly after, security operatives escorted Emir Sanusi out of the palace and banished him from the state. Following the dethronement of Emir Sanusi, Ganduje installed Aminu Ado Bayero as the new Emir of Kano.

Can Sanusi be Reinstalled?

With the reinstatement of the demoted kingmakers, the empowering of traditional rulers to choose the new Emir, and the directive for the Governor to restore the Kano Emirate System to its former positions, the path to reinstalling Sanusi seems promising. The State Government has been given the authority to take all necessary measures to bring back Sanusi as the Emir of Kano. With the support of the kingmakers and the Governor, the reinstallation of Sanusi appears to be a real possibility.

Conclusion

The New Kano Emirate Council Law has set the stage for the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi as the Emir of Kano. With the demoted kingmakers back in their roles and the traditional power structure being reestablished, the prospects for Sanusi’s reinstallation are looking bright. As the State Government takes the necessary steps to restore the Kano Emirate System to its former positions, the people of Kano eagerly await the return of their beloved Emir. Can Sanusi be reinstalled? Only time will tell, but the signs are certainly pointing in that direction.