Ex-CBN Governor Lamido Sanusi to replace the Emir of Kano Position

Few hours after the death of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, about 30 candidates have signified their interests in the stool, with a former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, emerging as one of the leading contenders.
The stool, which is about 1,000 years old from 999CE, has produced about 58 rulers.
Out of the 30 candidates, most of whom are doing so for symbolic reasons, seven are strongly in the race.
The top candidates are ex-CBN Governor Sanusi (Dan Majen Kano); the Ciroman Kano (heir apparent), Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero; Turakin Kano, Nasir Ado Bayero; Sarkin Dawaki Tsakarigida, Aminu Ado Bayero; Wambai Kano, Alh. Abbass Sanusi; Galadima Kano, Tijjani Hashim; and a member of the board of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Abdullahi Ado Bayero.
Investigation revealed that all the candidates are expected to be screened soon by a four-man team of kingmakers in the Emirate’s Council of State.
The kingmakers are Makama, Madaki, Sarkin Wawaki Mai Tuta and Sarkin Bai.
A top source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said: “The race for the vacant stool started immediately the death of Emir Ado Bayero was announced. We are talking of about 30 candidates.
“The late Emir had up to 70 children, including females. The jostle appears to be a straightforward battle between the Bayeros and Sanusis whose fathers were brothers.”
The source added that although the Emir appointed his son as Ciroman Kano (heir apparent), that might not translate into automatic succession.
The fate of the candidates, the source said, lies with the kingmakers, who will make recommendation to the Kano State Government.
Responding to a question, the source said: “The Emirate seeks a ruler who will consolidate on the unprecedented developments recorded during the reign of Ado Bayero.
“So, beyond being versed in the history and tradition of Kano Emirate, the new Emir is expected to be highly educated, morally upright, cool-headed, well-connected and with a tinge of international influence and a symbol of peace.
“This is why it is likely to be a battle royale between ex-CBN Governor and the children of the late Emir. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has intimidating credentials.
“For the first time, the kingmakers have blue-blooded candidates who are exposed and well-educated abroad.
Another source said those aspiring to the stool had been lobbying influential Kano leaders to prevail on the kingmakers to pick them for the vacant stool.
The source added: “They are already lobbying and playing some royal politics among themselves.
“For instance, some are claiming that one of the candidates has a Yoruba maternal lineage and the Fulani heritage should not be handed to a Yoruba man.
“They are digging up their antecedents to outwit each other before the kingmakers who have to consult within a short time to appoint a new Emir.”
Possible Contenders For Kano Emir Post
With the demise of the Emir of Kano Alhaji (Dr) Ado Bayero in the early hours of yesterday, the state has been pushed to unprecedented mourning.
Most of the government offices were seen virtually empty or less busy. Market activities practically shut down with thousands of people trooping to the direction of the Emir’s palace.
One fundamental thing that goes with the passing away of a traditional ruler of the Emir of Kano status, is the issue of a successor. While the Emirate Council was mourning the sudden death of Bayero the Kingmakers were also busy un-dusting the royal records of the potential successors.
Traditionally speaking, there are four king makers in Kano Emirate Council These are Sarkin Bai, Sarkin Dawaki Mai Tuta, Madaki, and Makama. They are the senior councillors that have the right to sit and nominate a succeeding Emir. They can even nominate two or three potential nominees as the situation warrants.
After nominating the likely successors, the list will be sent to the state’s governor for endorsement. The governor, according to the rule has a final say on who becomes an Emir. The process is in some ways like how a Vice-Chancellor of a university is approved by a visitor of such university. A governor in case of a state university and a President in the case of a federal university.
Front Runners
Sanusi Ado Bayero (Chiroman Kano)
He is the youngest son of the Emir and also one of the district heads under the Emirate of Kano. Sanusi is known as the simple and close son of the Emir who is believed to be interested in succeeding his father, Alhaji Ado Bayero.
Abbas Sanusi, Wamban Kano
It common knowledge to the people of Kano that one of the front runners for the position is the present Wamban Kano, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, who is the son of the late Emir of Kano Alhaji Sanusi Bayero.
Abbas is the senior Councillor in the Emirate and he was rumoured to be nursing the ambition of being the Emir of Kano for quite a long time now.
His huge experience in the Emirate may likely make some impact in his quest to succeed the late Bayero.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (Danmajen Kano)
The former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi is from the Sarki Sanusi lineage. Many people are of the opinion that the position may go back to the late Sarki Sanusi lineage. With that in mind, the Wamban Kano and the former CBN governor stand a better chance to be nominated by the king makers.
It was believed by some close observers of the Emirate Council that the appointment of the former CBN governor as the Dan Majen of Kano was part of the preparation to one day emerge as the new Emir of Kano. “You see that is what we have been telling people that time would come when Sanusi Lamido Sanusi would be among the contenders of Kano Emir seat” observed Jamilu, a keen observer of the Emirate Council.
Tijjani Hashim (Galadiman Kano)
He is a very popular person among the Kano Emirate Council not only because of his wealth, but his near total influence over members of the emirate and across the state.
Hashim is a household name among the entire people of the state, popular amongst indigenes and non- indigenes alike largely because of his humanitarian activities
He is well connected in the circle of power brokers in the country. He is said to have a large following of dedicated followers.
Alhaji Tijjani Hashim also contributed to the improvement of trade between Kano people and other foreign nationals. He has for long been rumoured to be eyeing the emirship seat. With demise of the Emir Bayero, Alhaji Tijjani Hashim is said to be among the contenders.
List Heads of State Bayero Worked with as Emir
1. Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa 1963-1966*
2. General Thomas Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi 1966*
3. General Yakubu Gowon 1966-1975
4. General Murtala Mohammed 1975-1976*
5. General Olusegun Obasanjo 1976-1979
6. President Shehu Shagari 1979-1983
7. General Mohammadu Buhari 1983-1985
8. General Ibrahim Babangida 1985-1993
9. Chief Ernest Shonekan 1993
10. General Sani Abacha 1993-1998*
11. General Abdusalami Abubakar 1998-1999
12. President Olusegun Obasanjo 1999-2007
13. President Umar Musa Yar’Adua 2007-2010*
14. President Goodluck Jonathan 2010

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