A Kano State High Court has ordered Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero to stop parading himself as the Emir of Kano. Justice Amina Aliyu, who presided over the court on Monday, also barred four other deposed monarchs from claiming the titles of Emirs of Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya.
The court instructed these deposed emirs to return all movable and immovable properties belonging to the Kano state government.
Tensions have been high in Kano since Governor Abba Yusuf used the Kano Emirates Council Repeal Law 2024 to dethrone Bayero and the other four emirs. The governor reinstated Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano.
Bayero was visiting the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, in Ogun State when he was dethroned. He returned to Kano shortly after, under full military protection. Bayero then moved to the mini palace in Nassarawa, with security from the military, police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), sparking rumors that he had federal government support.
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When the state government heard Bayero planned to return to the Gidan Rumfa Palace, they quickly moved Sanusi there.
The legal battle has seen both sides refusing to compromise. Counsel for the applicants, Mr. Ibrahim Isa-Wangida, urged the court to dismiss the respondents’ affidavit of facts, citing order 39 rule 1 and 2 of the Court.
Counsel for Ado Bayero, Mr. Abdul Muhammed SAN, filed an affidavit dated July 3, 2024, with a notice of appeal and a motion to stay proceedings. He asked the court to pause the proceedings until the appeal court hears the motion.
Counsel for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th respondents, Hassan Tanko-Kyaure, argued for an extension of time and filed a counter affidavit against the originating motion. He urged the court to set aside the Kano State Emirates Council (Repeal) Law 2024, claiming due process was not followed. He also asked the court to dismiss the applicants’ case with a cost of N1 billion.
Counsel for the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Sunday Ekwe, stated they had nothing to present.
The case remains complex, with multiple motions and objections filed by the parties involved.