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Emir Sanusi Gets Reprieve as Court Stops Ganduje from Splitting Kano Emirate
A High Court sitting in Kano on Friday stopped Governor Abdullahi Ganduje from implementing the decentralisation of Kano Emirate.
Ganduje had on Wednesday signed into a law a bill creating four additional emirates in the state.
The court also stopped the Kano State House of Assembly and the attorney-general of the state from recognising the new four emirates.
An exparte motion, dated May 10, 2019, and filed by one Hon Sule Gwarzo, before Justice Nasiru Saminu, had asked the court to restrain the respondents from taking any action of creating four additional emirates.
In an order of interim injunction, the court directed all parties in this suit to maintain status quo, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
The move has been widely viewed as a move aimed at reducing the influence of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi.
Meanwhile, Ganduje has defended his decision to create four additional emirates in the state, denying accusations that the aim is to ridicule the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Ganduje insisted there was no vendetta against the former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, but the latest move was meant to bring the traditional institution into full participation in governance.
The governor, who spoke with State House correspondents in Abuja, also dismissed the views that he had destroyed Kano’s cherished heritage dating back to 800 years.
He stated that those holding such views were entitled to their opinions.
Ganduje added, “Well, they are entitled to their own opinion but we are taking Kano to the next level and we need active participation of the traditional system, especially in the areas of education, security, agriculture, we need the effectiveness of the traditional rulers.
“By decentralising it, we are following history. Years back even before the 800 years you are referring to, the situation was not like that. So, if something developed 800 years ago, things are also developing now and there will be another 800 years. So, look at the history.”
On whether he was going after Sanusi for political reasons, the governor said he had nothing against the emir.
He argued that by law, Sanusi ordinarily should be reporting to a local government chairman and not the state governor.
Ganduje added, “It is not vendetta; I am not against him, in fact he is supposed to be reporting to the local government chairman according to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is the local government chairman that he is supposed to discuss issues with, and not the governor. So, this is celebrated by the people of Kano and we will make sure that the new emirate councils are effective in terms of developing Kano State.”
The new emirates are Gaya, Rano, Karaye and Bichi.
The governor signed the bill passed by the state House of Assembly to create the emirates into law on Thursday.
The signing of the bill, “Kano State Emirs (Appointment and Deposition) (Amendment) Law 2019”, took place almost immediately the House transmitted it to Ganduje.
With the creation of the new emirates, the Kano emirate, which hitherto, controlled all the 44 local governments in the state, is left with only 10 LGs.
This also means that the N180m the 44 LGs draw from government allocation for traditional council operations and other services will now be spread across the five emirate councils.
Meanwhile, the governor on Friday appointed four new emirs in the state, 48 hours after he assented to the bill.
The new emirs and their new domains, according to TheCable are Aminu Ado Bayero, Bichi; Ibrahim Abdulkadir, Gaya; Tafida Abubakar, Rano; and Ibrahim Abubakar, Karaye.
Ado Bayero is one of the sons of the predecessor of the incumbent Kano emir.
The new emirs are expected to receive their letters of appointment and staff of office at a ceremony to be held at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Saturday.
Ganduje was said to have informed the appointed emirs of their elevation and directed them to begin preparations for their new assignment.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Al-Hassan Kabiru Rurum, on Friday dismissed claims that the creation of four new emirates in the state would reduce Sanusi’s influence.
Commenting on the passage of the pension bill for former Speakers and Deputy Speakers of the Assembly, he said, “When the governors and their deputies, with enormous resources at their disposal, are enjoying their pension and gratuity, nobody raised an eyebrow.
“At the Assembly, we make law for all the people of the state and as far as we are concerned there is nothing bad in remembering those who served the state diligently because when you see some former governors today, they are in a pitiful condition, so there is need to assist them. During their days, they contributed to the socio-economic development of the state.
“As far, as we are concerned, the bill is a very good one and for your information, I as the Speaker of the Assembly will not benefit from it for now because I have been elected as a member of the House of Representatives.
“In the bill, anybody, including former governor, deputy governor, speaker or deputy speaker serving as an appointee or elected into an office will not benefit from it because the bill forbids you to enjoy two pensions at a time. We are doing this in order to assist those who are out of government either by election or by appointment.”
The Punch
Wema Bank has introduced a new jingle to mark the next phase of its digital banking journey, tagged the ALAT: The Evolution jingle. Designed to capture the energy of a smarter and more seamless banking experience, the jingle is bright, catchy, and full of life. It reflects a platform built to simply work, pairing sound with innovation as ALAT: The Evolution steps forward with enhanced features and a refreshed user experience.
Everyday banking can often feel routine or even stressful, with multiple steps and delays slowing things down. The ALAT: The Evolution jingle reimagines that experience with a lively and confident tone that mirrors the app’s capabilities. From voice banking with SAW to Tap and Pay and bank uptime prediction, each feature is echoed in the rhythm and flow of the sound. It brings to life the speed, convenience, and reliability that define this new phase of ALAT: The Evolution.
More than just music, the ALAT: The Evolution jingle represents a clear statement of intent. It signals a shift towards banking that feels natural, responsive, and in tune with the user. As customers update their app and explore ALAT: The Evolution, the jingle serves as a reminder that a better, smoother way to bank is already here. Wema Bank is not just evolving its technology; it is shaping how banking feels.
Adron Homes and Properties Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and fostering community development through its sponsorship of the 39th edition of the Lisabi Festival, one of the most revered cultural celebrations of the Egba people.
Held under the distinguished leadership of Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the festival remains a symbolic institution that celebrates the unity, resilience, and historical legacy of Egbaland. It pays tribute to the legendary warrior Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, whose courage and leadership united the Egba people and secured their freedom.
Through this strategic sponsorship, Adron Homes and Properties Limited continues to position itself not only as a leading real estate developer but also as a custodian of culture and a partner in sustaining the traditions that shape communities across Nigeria.
Speaking on the importance of the festival, Oba Gbadebo emphasized that Lisabi serves as a vital platform for preserving the Egba people’s values, traditions, and identity, while inspiring younger generations to remain connected to their cultural roots.
For Adron Homes, the partnership reflects a deliberate alignment with the socio-cultural aspirations of Egbaland. By supporting the festival, the company is contributing meaningfully to the preservation of indigenous heritage, the promotion of unity, and the celebration of a people whose influence continues to shape the cultural landscape of Abeokuta and beyond.
Notably, Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State is also home to key Adron Homes developments, including the prestigious Adron Homes Sunrise Park and Gardens located in Alabata, and Southgate Park and Gardens Estate in Alamala. These flagship estates further reinforce the company’s deep-rooted presence and long-term investment in the socio-economic growth of the region.
The 2026 edition of the Lisabi Festival, themed “Integrating Apprenticeship Training into Education: Opportunities and Challenges,” highlights the intersection between tradition and modern development, an area where Adron Homes continues to make an impact through its community-driven initiatives.
The festival will feature a vibrant lineup of cultural and social activities, including the iconic Woro procession, traditional rites, arts and crafts exhibitions, educational programmes, and community engagements, all reflecting the richness of Egba heritage.
By Oki O. Samson
In what is already generating significant grassroots political momentum across Surulere, immediate past Executive Chairman of Coker-Aguda LCDA, Hon. Rasaq Ibrahim Olamilekan, popularly known as RIO, has officially declared his intention to contest for the Lagos State House of Assembly seat representing Surulere Constituency II.
The declaration, made on Saturday, March 21, 2026, positions the youthful and widely regarded grassroots mobilizer and a party loyalist as a strong contender in the evolving political landscape of Lagos State.
At the official declaration on Saturday morning, supporters, community leaders, youth groups, and political stakeholders gathered in large numbers to witness what has been described as the formal transition of a tested local administrator into state-level legislative politics.
A Grassroots Politician with Development Credentials
Hon. Olamilekan’s entry into the race is backed by a track record that spans infrastructure renewal, social welfare interventions, education support, and community-driven security initiatives during his tenure as Council Executive Chairman.
Described by admirers as detribalized and accessible, RIO built a reputation for inclusive governance for all tribes, implementing policies and programs that cut across religious, ethnic, and political divides. His administration’s interventions ranged from road construction and drainage systems to healthcare upgrades and youth empowerment schemes.
In the area of healthcare, his government reconstructed the Orile-Iganmu Primary Healthcare Centre and facilitated multiple medical outreaches in collaboration with the Lagos State Health Management Agency, bringing free medical services closer to residents in underserved communities.
Security Advocacy, Peacebuilding and Policy Direction
A major highlight of his public service profile is his consistent advocacy for sustainable security funding and community peacebuilding. Speaking at an event marking his induction as Patron of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Southwest Nigeria in 2024, Hon. RIO emphasized the need for a maintenance culture in security investments.
“Buying equipment is not enough,” he noted. “We must make deliberate provisions for maintenance to ensure long-term effectiveness of support to the Nigeria Police Force.”
During his tenure, he provided operational vehicles for Police formations and institutionalized monthly security meetings with Divisional Police Officers and other community stakeholders. These measures were noted to have improved safety coordination across the LCDA and were largely applauded by the community, the Media industry.
His collaboration with security leadership, including engagements with former Lagos Commissioner of Police, CP Idowu Owohunwa, further reinforced his administration’s proactive approach to tackling crime and improving public safety infrastructure.
Beyond institutional support, Hon. Olamilekan also demonstrated a firm commitment to peace and conflict resolution at the community level. Following incidents of unrest in Orile Iganmu, a densely populated community and cultural hub hosting the National Theatre, he convened a high-level security stakeholders’ meeting involving community leaders, law enforcement agencies, and transport union representatives.
The engagement led to the inauguration of an Enquiry and Peace Taskforce Committee tasked with addressing recurring street clashes in areas such as Awe, Aloko, Alagba, and Memudu streets. The committee, working with the council’s security architecture, was mandated to develop recommendations and drive a comprehensive sensitization campaign across the LCDA.
Describing peace as a collective responsibility, the former Chairman stressed that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of security and mutual coexistence.
Social Intervention and Community Impact
Hon. RIO’s leadership gained widespread attention and commendation from political party leaders during the post-fuel subsidy removal period, when his administration rolled out sustained palliative distributions. Over a six-month period, thousands of residents comprising youths, widows, elderly citizens, and vulnerable groups benefited from food and financial support initiatives.
Unlike many local governments criticized for slow response, Coker-Aguda LCDA under Hon. RIO leadership executed multiple phases of relief distribution, reaching over 12,000 residents. The initiative was widely praised by party leaders, community stakeholders for its transparency, inclusiveness, and consistency.
Recognition and Rising Political Profile
His governance style and impact earned him several accolades, including his induction into the prestigious Trek Africa Hall of Fame as Youth Man of the Year. The recognition placed him alongside notable figures such as Secretary to State Government, Lagos State, Barr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin and Executive Secretary/CEO, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, underscoring his growing influence within Lagos’ political and governance ecosystem.
His emergence as one of the youngest local government chairmen in Lagos helped position him as a symbol of youth inclusion in governance and a bridge between established political structures and the next generation of leaders.
Legislative Vision for Surulere II
In declaring his candidacy, Hon. Olamilekan RIO pledged to take his grassroots governance experience to the legislative arena, with a focus on people-oriented laws, improved infrastructure funding, education access, and community-based security frameworks.
He emphasized that his campaign would be driven by direct engagement with constituents, policy clarity, and a commitment to delivering measurable outcomes.
With a blend of administrative experience, party loyalist, grassroots appeal, and a demonstrable commitment to peace and development, political observers believe his candidacy could significantly shape the contest for Surulere Constituency II.
As the political season gathers pace, attention will be on how his entry reshapes alignments within the constituency and influences the broader dynamics of legislative elections in Lagos State.
