Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf
The Kano State government has confirmed that Muhammadu Sanusi II remains the Emir of Kano following a recent court ruling. This decision comes amidst ongoing legal battles over the status of various emirates in the state.
The state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Haruna Isa Dederi, alongside the Secretary to the State Government, Baffa Bichi, announced the government’s position during a press briefing at the government house. Dederi stated, “By the ruling of the Court, it has unequivocally reaffirmed the validity of the law passed by the Kano State House of Assembly and assented to by His Excellency the Executive Governor of Kano State.”
This ruling validates the Kano Emirates Council (Repeal) Law, 2024, which was signed into law on May 23, 2024. Dederi explained that the court’s decision also sustains the abolition of the five emirates created in 2019 and the deposition of their respective emirs. “By implication, this means that Muhammadu Sanusi II remains the Emir of Kano,” he added.
In addition to affirming Sanusi’s position, the government has ordered the removal of the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, from the Gidan Nassarawa mini-palace. The state plans to demolish the building and carry out extensive renovations. “The government has already concluded arrangements for the general reconstruction and renovation of the property, including the demolition and reconstruction of the dilapidated wall fence with immediate effect,” Dederi stated.
The government’s directive instructed the state Commissioner of Police to ensure Bayero vacates the property. Dederi emphasized that Bayero is trespassing on government property and must be removed to facilitate the planned renovations.
Governor Abba K. Yusuf also expressed his commitment to upholding the rule of law and called for peace and cooperation among the people of Kano State. “I want to congratulate and call on the good people of Kano State to remain peaceful and celebrate the success of the people without any hitch. May Allah continue to protect our State and our government,” the governor said.
The court ruling on June 20, 2024, has brought a significant development in the long-standing litigation over the emirates. The Federal High Court ruled in favor of the Kano State government, validating actions taken before an interim order was issued on May 27, 2024. This order had temporarily halted the enforcement of the new law and the reinstatement of Sanusi.
The legal battle began when the Kano State government abolished the five newly created emirates in 2019, which led to the deposition of the emirs. The recent court ruling has now reaffirmed the government’s actions and upheld the Kano Emirates Council (Repeal) Law, 2024.