Court Overturns Dethronement of Emir Bayero and Others
A Federal High Court in Kano has invalidated the Kano State Government’s actions to repeal the Kano Emirates Council Law.
The Kano Assembly had repealed this law, leading Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to dethrone Aminu Ado Bayero as the Emir of Kano. The Governor also reversed the establishment of the four emirates of Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya, dismissing the Emirs appointed by his predecessor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.
This law was also used to reappoint Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 14th Emir of Kano who was dethroned by Ganduje in 2020, as the 16th Emir of Kano.
However, Aminu Babba Danagundi, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba and a kingmaker in the former Kano emirate, challenged the legality of the law. Represented by his counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), Danagundi sought to have the court declare the law null and void.
In his ruling on Thursday, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman nullified the actions of the Kano government and ordered all parties to maintain the status quo. He noted that the defendants were aware of the interim order but chose to disregard it and proceeded with implementing the law.
Justice Liman emphasized that he would use his coercive powers to enforce compliance with his order.
The case has been transferred to Justice Simon Amobeda for further proceedings, as Justice Liman has been elevated to the Court of Appeal.
