Residents of Gaya in Kano State have expressed their disapproval through street protests against the recent dissolution of the Gaya Emirate by the state government.
This move is sequel to the amendment of the Kano Emirates Council Law of 2019, which led to the dissolution of several emirate councils, including Gaya Emirate.
The amended law, passed by the NNPP-controlled House of Assembly, reversed the previous law enacted by the former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje in 2020, which created additional emirates and dethroned the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Governor Abba Yusuf finalised the dissolution by signing the amendment bill into law on Thursday, instructing the emirs of affected emirates, including Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, the Emir of Gaya, to hand over their responsibilities to Deputy Governor Abdulsalam Gwarzo, who oversees the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Reports indicate that the dethroned emir vacated the palace without incident at midnight on Thursday, with armed security personnel present in the town to maintain order and ensure a peaceful transition.