Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has sanctioned the appointment of three second-class emirs, as announced by Sanusi Bature, the Director General of Press to the Governor.
The appointed emirs are Alhaji Muhammad Mahraz Karaye, who now serves as Emir of Karaye; Alhaji Muhammad Isa Umar, appointed as Emir of Rano; and Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir Gaya, named Emir of Gaya.
These appointments take immediate effect, positioning the new emirates as second-class to the existing Kano first-class emirate.
Governor Yusuf designated Alhaji Muhammad Karaye, previously the District Head of Rogo, as the Emir of Karaye. Alhaji Muhammad Umar, formerly the District Head of Bunkure, assumes the role of Emir of Rano. Additionally, Alhaji Aliyu Abdulkadir Gaya, who previously served as the emir of the defunct Gaya emirate, has been appointed as the Emir of Gaya.
These developments follow the governor’s enactment of the Kano State Emirate Council Establishment Bill 2024 into law on Tuesday.
This legislation, passed by the State House of Assembly, aims to enhance governance at the grassroots level while preserving the cultural heritage and norms of the people.
Governor Yusuf said, “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 powers to advise the Emir of Kano on matters related to the maintenance of public order and boundary disputes within their jurisdictions.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, the governor emphasised the law’s importance. “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,” he said.
The existing Kano Emirate Council, headed by a first-class Emir as Chairman, will be supported by these second-class Emirate Councils.
The jurisdiction of the second-class emirates 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. “We are dedicated to passing laws that enhance the governance structure and improve the lives of our citizens,” he stated.
This development is anticipated to enhance the governance framework of Kano State, emphasizing the pivotal role of traditional institutions in local administration and cultural conservation.
In May, Governor Abba Yusuf dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero as Kano Emir and reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, approximately six years after the former banker was deposed by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
The decision sparked legal controversies within the state.