The Court of Appeal, Abuja, on Tuesday set aside previous actions against the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano, escalating the legal battle between Sanusi and Aminu Ado Bayero to the Supreme Court.
Appeal Court’s Ruling
A three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Biobele Abraham Georgewill, ruled that:
- The Kano State Government’s application challenging an earlier ruling was withdrawn.
- The case record had been transmitted to the Supreme Court, making it the final arbiter in the dispute.
- All parties should exercise caution and maintain the status quo, pending the Supreme Court’s verdict.
Background of the Legal Battle
The dispute stems from the Kano State Government’s decision to reinstate Sanusi II as Emir following the passage of the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024. This law:
- Abolished the five emirates created by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
- Deposed Aminu Ado Bayero (the 15th Emir of Kano) and four other first-class emirs.
Despite his removal, Bayero returned to Kano and took residence at the Nassarawa mini palace, under heavy security protection, while challenging his dethronement in court.
March 14 Court Ruling and Appeal
On March 14, 2025, Justice Abang of the Court of Appeal:
- Issued a stay of execution on the ruling that reinstated Sanusi II.
- Ordered that the status quo ante bellum (situation before the trial court’s judgment of June 13, 2024) be maintained.
The Kano State Government, through its counsel, Ibrahim Wangida, contested this ruling, arguing that:
- The decision was a misinterpretation of constitutional provisions.
- An appeal had already been filed before the Supreme Court.
Abdul Fagge (SAN), representing the other party, did not object to the appeal, stating that the respondent acted within constitutional provisions.
Next Steps
With the case now before the Supreme Court, the final decision on the rightful Emir of Kano will be determined at the highest level of Nigeria’s judiciary. Until then, all parties are expected to refrain from taking further actionsregarding the emirate dispute.
Leave a Reply