The Kano State House of Assembly has passed the Kano State Emirates Council Establishment Bill 2024, creating three new second-class emirates.
The bill, proposed by Deputy Speaker Muhammad Bello Bututu, seeks to make Kano a first-class emirate, while Rano, Gaya, and Karaye are recognized as second-class emirates.
The law had its third reading on Tuesday, at a session presided over by Speaker Ismail Falgore.
According to the bill, the newly established Rano emirate will comprise Rano, Bunkure, and Kibiya local government areas. Gaya emirate will include Gaya, Albasu, and Ajingi local government areas, while Karaye emirate will consist of Karaye and Rogo local government areas.
The Emir of Kano will be the superior authority over the second-class emirs of these emirates. Within their respective territories, they will have the power to counsel the Emir on issues pertaining to public order, territorial disputes, intercommunal strife, and religious problems.
According to Section 3 of the law, the governor must approve all nominations and actions made by first-class and second-class emirs through the Commissioner for Local Governments. The hierarchical organization is described in Section 4, where the Emir of Kano is designated as the head of state and all other emirs as subordinate leaders who oversee their respective local government districts.
Section 7 empowers the governor to appoint any suitable person as a second-class emir per the provisions of Section 4.
The bill notably excludes the Bichi emirate, which was created by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje but dissolved by the new Kano Emirates Council (Repeal) Law 2024.
The bill will become law once Governor Abba Kabir gives his assent.
