Sanusi Bature, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, has categorically stated that Aminu Ado Bayero was never officially recognized as the Emir of Kano.
Bature clarified that Bayero’s appointment by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje was specifically for the eight metropolitan local governments within Kano city and not for the entire 44 local governments of the state.
In an interview with Arise TV on Saturday, June 22, Bature underscored the historical significance of the Kano Emirate, which predates Nigeria and its constitution, emphasizing its thousand-year history as a unifying institution for the people.
“The action of the governor was to protect the integrity of the emirate as an institution,” Bature stated.
He highlighted that the previous administration under Ganduje had politicized the emirate, prompting Governor Abba Yusuf’s commitment to restoring its traditional authority and historical prestige.
“This is not the first time an Emir was deposed,” Bature remarked, referring to previous incidents under Ganduje’s administration, which led to the departure of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi to maintain peace.
Sanusi has since returned as the 16th Emir following the repeal of the controversial law.
Bature clarified, “I want to make it clear that Aminu Ado Bayero was never an Emir of Kano. He was appointed as the Emir of the eight metropolitan local governments of Kano city.”
He attributed Bayero’s status to the 2019 Emirate law, which restructured the traditional leadership in Kano.
“With the revision of the law under one United Kano, the Emirate that Aminu served no longer exists,” Bature added.
“His jurisdiction was limited to the eight metropolitan areas, which have now been abolished.”
The statement from Governor Abba Yusuf’s spokesman comes amidst ongoing legal and administrative challenges regarding the leadership and jurisdiction of the Kano Emirate, underscoring the complexity of traditional governance reforms in the state.
This report is based on information provided by Sanusi Bature, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, during an interview with Arise TV.