Former Central Bank Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, is reportedly set to be reinstated as the Emir of Kano following the passage of a new law by the Kano State House of Assembly.
The recently passed legislation, known as the Kano State Emirates Councils (Repeal) Bill, 2024, dissolves the four additional emirates created in 2019, effectively paving the way for Sanusi’s return.
The four emirates—Rano, Karaye, Gaya, and Bichi—were established under a contentious law during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. The creation of these emirates and the appointment of first-class emirs in each led to the eventual deposition of Sanusi as the Emir of Kano amid a rift between him and Ganduje.
Sources close to the situation have indicated that although there is no official statement yet, Sanusi is expected to return to Kano on Friday. A source told LEADERSHIP newspaper, “With the passage of the Bill, Sanusi automatically stands reinstated. No need for confirmation; the thing is to wait for the governor to assent to it.”
The Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media to the state governor confirmed the passage of the bill on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating that it was passed after scaling its third reading in the State Assembly.
The new law’s passage signals a significant shift in the political landscape of Kano State, restoring the traditional structure and potentially reinstating Sanusi to his former position. This development comes amid continued discussions about the role and influence of traditional rulers in contemporary Nigerian governance.
