Ex-Speaker Tackles Kano Gov Over Rano Emirate Relegation

The former Kano State House of Assembly Speaker, Kabiru Rurum, who currently chairs the House Committee on Air Force, has criticized the Kano State Government's decision to dissolve the Rano Emirate. Rurum, who represents the Rano, Kibiya, and Bunkure Federal Constituency, voiced his opposition during the commissioning of the Nigerian Airforce Girls Boarding Secondary School in Rano on Sunday. Rurum strongly opposed the decision to downgrade the Rano Emirate to second-class status, emphasizing its historical and cultural significance. “I want to assure every citizen of Kano South that I strongly oppose the dissolution of our Emirate,” Rurum declared. “I stand firmly with our first-class Rano Emirate, and no one can demote us to a second-class status. 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, who holds the traditional title of Turakin Rano, was elected on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party after defecting from the All-Progressives Congress in 2023. He stressed the importance of the Rano Emirate’s cultural heritage and the need to maintain its first-class status.

The dissolution of the Emirate followed a recent bill passed by the Kano State House of Assembly, which dissolved all five Emirate councils created by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. The legislative move, during a plenary session in July, 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 ten local governments: Rano, Kibiya, Bunkure, Kura, Tudun Wada, Doguwa, Sumaila, Takai, Garun Malam, and Bebeji. The new law limits the jurisdiction of the newly created second-class Emirates to their respective local government areas, signaling a restructuring of traditional institutions. Rurum’s opposition highlights the tension between preserving traditional structures and the government's efforts to restructure administrative boundaries within the state. His commitment to maintaining the Rano Emirate’s status underscores the deep-rooted cultural values and historical significance that the local communities attach to their traditional institutions.