Kano State Government’s Decision to Dissolve Rano Emirate Sparks Controversy
In a bold move, Kabiru Rurum, the former Kano State House of Assembly Speaker and current Chairman of the House Committee on Air Force, has challenged the Kano State Government’s decision to dissolve the Rano Emirate. Rurum, a member representing Rano, Kibiya, and Bunkure Federal Constituency, criticized the decision at the commissioning of the Nigerian Airforce Girls Boarding Secondary School in Rano on Sunday.
Rurum, who holds the traditional title of Turakin Rano, was elected on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party after his defection from the All Progressives Congress in 2023. He vehemently opposed the Kano State Government’s decision to downgrade the Rano Emirate to second-class status, emphasizing the historical and cultural significance of the Emirate.
“We are the descendants of Autan Bawo, with a rich history in Hausaland. We understand and appreciate the value and honor that God has blessed us with as the people of Rano,” Rurum declared. “I want to assure every citizen of Kano South that I strongly oppose the dissolution of our Emirate. I stand firmly with our first-class Rano Emirate, and no one can demote us to a second-class status.”
The dissolution of the Emirate followed a recent bill passed by the Kano State House of Assembly, which officially dissolved all the five Emirate councils created by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in the state. The legislative move also established new second-class Emirate councils in Rano, Gaya, and Karaye, with each supervising specific local government areas.
Prior to the dissolution, the Rano Emirate comprised 10 local governments: Rano, Kibiya, Bunkure, Kura, Tudun Wada, Doguwa, Sumaila, Takai, Garun Malam, and Bebeji. Following the new law, the jurisdiction of the newly created second-class Emirates will be limited to their respective local government areas, signaling a restructuring of traditional institutions.
Rurum’s opposition to the dissolution has sparked controversy in the region, with many questioning the motive behind the Kano State Government’s decision. The Emirate’s rich history and cultural heritage are deeply ingrained in the region, and its dissolution could have far-reaching consequences for the people of Rano and beyond.
