Tension In Kano As Court Delivers Judgment In Case Seeking To Sack Emir Sanusi, Restore Bayero

There is serious tension mounts in Kano as the Federal High Court in Kano is set to deliver rulings today on a case challenging the validity of the Kano Emirates Council Repeal Law 2024.

This law, enacted by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, was used to dethrone the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and reverse the creation of the Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya emirates established by his predecessor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. The law also facilitated the re-appointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II, who had been dethroned in 2020 by Ganduje, as the 16th Emir of Kano.

Aminu Babba Danagundi, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba and a kingmaker in the former Kano emirate, contested the legality of the law, seeking a court declaration to render it null and void. His counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), argued the case before Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman, who scheduled the ruling for today after hearing the motion last Friday.

Additionally, the court will rule on a motion for stay of proceedings filed by A.G. Wakil, representing the State Attorney General and Kano State Government, who are respondents in Danagundi’s suit.

During the last session, Eyitayo Fatogun (SAN), counsel for the State House of Assembly and its speaker, indicated that a notice of appeal had been filed at the Court of Appeal, requesting a stay of proceedings. However, the judge noted that there was no evidence of the appeal being entered, nor was there any application for a stay filed before the court.

Uncertainty continues to pervade as Kano indigenes and many other Nigerians await the judgment of the court which might be announced any moment from now. The judgment will ultimately determine who remains as the Emir of Kano between Sanusi and Bayero, and whether the amendment to the Kano Emirate law would stand.