Although the Emir has limited formal powers, he continues to exert considerable authority and provides leadership on issues such as the tension between Christians and Muslims in Northern Nigeria.

[3] On 8 June 2014, former Nigerian central banker Muhammadu Sanusi II was selected to succeed Bayero as Emir of Kano.

Sanusi broke from traditional palace etiquette, which expected the emir to not be too outspoken and keep his speeches short and delivered only when required.

[9] This conflict ultimately culminated with the forced ousting of Sanusi as emir in March 2020, following accusations that he had "total disrespect" for the local government.

[9] In May 2024, Muhammadu Sanusi II was reinstalled as Emir of Kano by the local government (now led by Abba Kabir Yusuf).

In addition, Aminu Ado Bayero (who had replaced Sanusi as emir 4 years prior) refused to leave his palace in Nasarawa.

The Cargill re-organization made each Hakimi to have a contiguous territory where he resided at the headquarters and administered on behalf of the Emir and the Jakadu were eliminated.

The powerful slave officials were also not given any territories and their previous possessions were given to the free born Hakimai most of whom belonged to the Sullubawa ruling clan with one each from the Yolawa, Jobawa, Danbazawa, Sullubawan Tuta who became the Kingmakers that appoint the Emir.

The export of cotton was not as high as groundnut because the local textile craftsmen used it until later when their products became less competitive compared to imported items.

Apart from the ease of transportation it also brought many migrant laborers and semi-skilled people from other parts of Nigeria and they formed the nucleus of Sabon Gari a new district created for them outside the city of Kano.