The Kano State Government has defied a recent Federal High Court ruling and insisted that Muhammadu Sanusi II remains the Emir of Kano.
This decision comes amidst escalating tensions following a court decision nullifying the state’s Emirate Council (Amendment No. 2) Law, 2024.
The court ruling, delivered by Justice Abdullahi Liman, invalidated the law that dissolved four of the state’s five emirate councils and removed their respective emirs, including Aminu Ado Bayero of Kano.
Justice Liman criticized Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf’s administration for disregarding a prior court order restraining them from implementing the new law, describing it as a potential catalyst for chaos.
However, the Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Dederi, asserted during a press conference that the court’s ruling actually favored the state government.
He emphasized that the court upheld the validity of the law passed by the Kano State House of Assembly, which was signed by the governor on May 23, 2024.
Dederi highlighted that this decision validated the dissolution of the emirates created in 2019 and the removal of their respective emirs, affirming Sanusi’s reinstatement.
“In accordance with the court’s ruling, the Kano State Government has instructed the State Commissioner of Police to evict the deposed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero from the Nasarawa mini palace,” stated Dederi.
“Preparations are underway for the comprehensive renovation and reconstruction of the property, including the demolition and reconstruction of the deteriorated perimeter wall, effective immediately.”
The state government’s stance contradicts the court’s directive to maintain the status quo pending the appeal process at the Court of Appeal.
Despite the legal uncertainty, the government appears resolute in its decision, signaling potential further unrest in the ongoing political and legal battle over Kano’s emirate councils.