Exactly one year after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State approved the appointment of three second-class emirs, the affected emirates—Gaya, Rano, and Karaye—marked the occasion quietly, each in its own unique way.
The appointments, made on July 17, 2024, followed the governor’s repeal of the controversial 2019 Emirate Council Law, which had split the historic Kano Emirate into five: Gaya, Rano, Karaye, Bichi, and Kano.
The repeal effectively dissolved the newer emirates and re-established Kano as the sole first-class emirate in the state. Gaya, Rano, and Karaye were downgraded to second-class status, while Bichi Emirate was not reconstituted.
To fill the leadership vacuum, Governor Yusuf named new second-class emirs to lead the three surviving emirates.
In Karaye, Muhammad Mahraz, formerly the district head of Rogo, was appointed emir.
Rano got Muhammad Isah Umar, who had served as district head of Bunkure. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir was reinstated as Emir of Gaya in a reduced capacity.
The emirates were also restructured in terms of jurisdiction. Gaya Emirate now oversees Gaya, Ajingi, and Albasu local government areas; Karaye controls Karaye and Rogo; while Rano administers Rano, Bunkure, and Kibiya.
Although these second-class emirs preside over just eight of Kano’s 44 local government areas, their cultural relevance remains intact—albeit under the supreme authority of the reinstated Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
To mark the one-year milestone, ceremonies were modest. In Rano, the occasion included the turbaning of Ahmad Garba Rano as the new Sarkin Waka of Rano, and a mini Durbar
Prayers were offered for peace and development. Emir Muhammad Umar urged residents to embrace harmony and unity, stating, “Leadership is a trust, and we shall continue to lead with fairness and the fear of God.”
In Karaye, the first day of the commemoration was devoted to special prayers for guidance, peace, and the prosperity of the emirate.
Subsequent days featured community-focused activities, including a women’s empowerment event and the commissioning of a motorised borehole in Nufawa Village, Rogo Local Government Area.
Emir Muhammad Mahraz expressed gratitude to the people for their support during what he described as “a challenging but hopeful year.”
He pledged continued efforts to uphold the emirate’s values. “We shall remain committed to preserving our history, culture, and the wellbeing of our people,” he said.
