Residents of Fangido, Daba, Danbagina, and Santolo villages in Dawakin Kudu District, Kano State, have expressed strong opposition to the dismissal of their village heads by the district’s supervisory head.
This action was taken by Ado Yusuf-Abdullahi, who was appointed by Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II to oversee the district following the reversion of Dawakin Kudu to the Kano Emirate’s control.
According to Daily Nigerian, the supervisory district head invalidated the election results for three of the 30 village heads in the district without providing any clear justification.
He claimed that his actions were based on directives from the emir, leading to the removal of the village heads in question. In their place, close rivals were instructed to assume the roles until new elections could be organized.
This move sparked significant unrest among the local population, who perceived it as an arbitrary exercise of power. A protest was organized, during which residents voiced their dissatisfaction with the decision.
A resident, who requested anonymity, accused the supervisory district head of colluding with the Interim Chairman of Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area, Rabiu Dogo, to carry out the dismissals for personal gain.
“We believe that the leadership crisis in our communities is being manipulated for vested interests,” the resident explained. “Initially, five village heads were targeted for removal, but after financial exchanges, only three were ultimately dismissed.”
The resident also questioned the involvement of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, suggesting that the emir might not be aware of the actions being taken in his name.
“No official letter from the emir has been presented to justify the removal of these village heads,” the resident added, implying that the actions were politically motivated to install loyalists in the affected positions.
Attempts to reach Mr. Yusuf-Abdullahi for comments were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages sent to his known phone number.
