Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has approved the appointment of three second-class emirs, as announced by the Director General of Press to the Governor, Sanusi Bature.
The newly appointed emirs are:
– Alhaji Muhammad Mahraz Karaye as Emir of Karaye
– Alhaji Muhammad Isa Umar as Emir of Rano
– Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir Gaya as Emir of Gaya
These appointments, effective immediately, establish the new emirates as second-class, with Kano as the first-class emirate.
Alhaji Muhammad Mahraz Karaye, previously the District Head of Rogo, is now the Emir of Karaye. Alhaji Muhammad Isa Umar, formerly the District Head of Bunkure, has been appointed Emir of Rano. Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir Gaya, who was the emir of the now-defunct Gaya emirate and recently dethroned, is reinstated as 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 strengthen the connection between the grassroots and the government while preserving the cultural values and norms of the people.
The new law establishes second-class Emirate Councils in Rano, Gaya, and Karaye, each overseeing specific local government areas. Governor Yusuf outlined the jurisdictions: Rano Emirate includes Rano, Kibiya, and Bunkure Local Government Areas; Gaya Emirate covers Gaya, Albasu, and Ajingi Local Government Areas; and Karaye Emirate encompasses Karaye and Rogo Local Government Areas.
These councils will have the authority to advise the Emir of Kano on matters related to public order and boundary disputes within their regions.
Governor Yusuf emphasized the importance of the new law, stating, “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, led by a first-class Emir as Chairman, will be supported by the newly established second-class Emirate Councils.
The jurisdiction of the second-class emirates will be limited to their respective local government areas.
Speaker of the House Jibrin Falgore reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to enhancing the governance structure and improving the lives of Kano State’s citizens.
“We are dedicated to passing laws that enhance the governance structure and improve the lives of our citizens,” he stated.
This development is expected to positively impact Kano State’s governance structure, ensuring that traditional institutions play a crucial role in local administration and cultural preservation.
In May, Governor Yusuf dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero as Kano Emir and reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, who was removed by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje six years ago.
This controversial decision has sparked legal debates in the state.
