A Kano State High Court has issued an interim order preventing the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, from carrying out renovation work on the Nasarawa mini palace. The court, presided over by the Chief Judge, Justice Dije Abdu Aboki, ruled that all parties must maintain the current state of the palace until a legal decision is reached.
The Emir had been holding court sessions at the Nasarawa palace since returning to Kano after the dissolution of the emirates by the state government. However, concerns over proposed renovations led to the legal action.
The plaintiffs in the case include the Kano State government, the state attorney general, and the Kano Emirate Council. Emir Bayero is the sole defendant in the matter.
In her ruling, Justice Aboki ordered the Emir and his representatives to cease any construction activities at the palace.
“An order of interim injunction is hereby made restraining the defendant, his agents, privies, or anyone acting under his instruction from demolishing, renovating, repairing, reconstructing, or refurbishing the property known as Gidan Sarki Nasarawa located along State Road, Kano, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice before this court,” the judge stated.
The court emphasized that no changes should be made to the structural or architectural design of the palace while the case is ongoing. This is to ensure that the palace remains as it is until the court decides on the matter.
The lawsuit was filed by the plaintiffs through an ex-parte motion dated September 9, 2024, supported by a 33-paragraph affidavit sworn by Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed, the Matawallen Kano. The court papers detail the request for the injunction to prevent any alterations to the historic Nasarawa palace.
As part of the legal process, the court also instructed that Emir Bayero be served with all relevant court documents by substituted means, ensuring that he is fully informed about the proceedings.
The court has scheduled October 2, 2024, as the date for the hearing on the motion.
The Nasarawa mini palace, also known as Gidan Sarki Nasarawa, holds significant historical value in Kano. The recent developments surrounding its renovation have sparked controversy, leading to this legal dispute. Emir Bayero’s plans for refurbishing the palace have raised concerns about preserving the cultural and architectural integrity of the property.