The Kano Emirate Council has officially stripped Alhaji Usman Alhaji, former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Kano State, of his traditional title of Waziri (Prime Minister) of Kano.
The decision was announced in a statement signed by the Secretary of the Kano Emirate Council, Alhaji Mahe Bashir Wali, on Thursday. The statement cited “violation of traditional norms and disrespect to the emirate institution” as reasons for the withdrawal of the title.
Alhaji Usman Alhaji, who served as SSG under former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, had held the prestigious Waziri title since 2019. The position of Waziri is one of the highest-ranking traditional titles in the Kano Emirate, historically serving as the principal advisor to the Emir.
While the council’s statement did not provide specific details of the alleged violations, sources within the palace suggest the action may be connected to recent political developments in the state. The former SSG has been perceived as aligning with political interests opposed to the current administration of Governor Abba Yusuf.
The deposed title holder has yet to make any public statement regarding the emirate’s decision. Political analysts view this development as part of the ongoing realignment of traditional institutions with the state’s new political leadership.
This marks the first major title withdrawal since the reinstatement of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, who returned to the throne following the repeal of the law that initially dethroned him in 2020.
The Kano Emirate Council has called for calm among residents and urged all title holders to respect the traditions and customs of the emirate.
