Emir Sanusi II Is The 59th Emir Of Kano Not 16th
“Attempts to erase this history is not only being scornful of the Haɓe rulers but of the long history of Kano spanning over a millennium”.
BY JAAFAR JAAFAR
Emir Sanusi II should be referred to as the 59th Emir of Kano not 16th – unless the history of Kano started after Danfodio Jihad and imposition of Emir Sulaimanu in 1807. From King Bagauda in the 10th Century to Muhammadu Alwali II in 1805, there were at least 42 Haɓe/Hausa rulers documented by history that ruled Kano.
Hundreds of years before Jihad, Kano maintained its primacy as a cosmopolitan society and a leading hub of trade and industry in the Central Soudan.
The most important symbol of authority of Kano emir – the twin-spear staff – dates back to 12th century pegan rulership. With the exception of Dabo’s Hat and the Sword of Authority (Wuƙar Yanka), most of the symbols of authority used by the present emirs were introduced by the Haɓe kings.
King Rumfa (1463–1499), on the advice of Al-Maghili, introduced the use of turban, mobile parasol, the ostrich plume sandals, etiquette of court sitting (zaman harɗe), salutations, etc.
Attempts to erase this history is not only being scornful of the Haɓe rulers but of the long history of Kano spanning over a millennium.
…Jaafar is the publisher of Daily Nigerian Newspaper. This was first published on his Facebook account.
