By Kolawole Ojebisi
The political developments in Kano State may have started dictating the dynamics in the state’s traditional institution
This is as the Gaya Emirate Council in Kano State withdrew the traditional title of Wazirin Gaya from a former Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji.
Usman Alhaji, who is also a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, served as SSG under former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s administration.
The withdrawal was announced in a letter issued by the Secretary of the Gaya Emirate Council, Alhaji Bello Halilu and dated Wednesday 19th June 2025 but released to journalists on Thursday morning.
There’s no specific reason stated in the terse letter for the decision taken against Usman Alhaji.
According to the letter the decision takes immediate effect and was based on “certain unavoidable circumstances.”
The Emirate Council, however, expressed appreciation for Alhaji Usman Alhaji’s contributions to the traditional institution and his support in promoting the cultural values of the emirate during his time as Wazirin Gaya.
“This action underscores the Emirate’s commitment to preserving the sanctity, dignity, and integrity of traditional titles in line with established customs and values.
“The general public is hereby informed and urged to take note of this development,” the letter read.
Although the Emirate did not state the reason for its decision in its letter, Alhaji’s title withdrawal comes in the wake of his criticism the Kano State government under the leadership of Governor Abba Yusuf.
The former SSG, under the banner of the “APC Patriotic Volunteers,” had accused the administration of Yusuf elected on the platform of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) of lacking direction, competence, and clear policy initiatives.”
Recall that former governor of Kano, Umar Ganduje, dethroned the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Lamido Sanusi II and installed Ado Bayero in his stead.
Yusuf, however, reinstated Lamido Sanusi after taking the reins of power from his predecessor, a couple of conflicting decisions that has sparked lingering litigation over the rightful claimant to the throne between Bayero and Sanusi.
Alhaji is an ally of Ganduje, who is currently the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
