In a major legal development that has intensified the battle over the Kano Emirate throne, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has halted the reinstatement of Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano. This ruling, delivered by a three-member panel of justices led by Justice Okon Abang, has effectively placed the fate of the former emir in limbo, pending a final verdict from the Supreme Court.
The appellate court’s decision came in response to fresh legal applications challenging Sanusi’s reinstatement. These applications, referenced as CA/KN/27M/2025 and CA/KN/28M/2025, argued that implementing the January 10 judgment, which nullified Sanusi’s removal, could lead to legal complications. The judges ruled unanimously that suspending the enforcement of the reinstatement order was necessary to maintain order and ensure that the Supreme Court has the final say on the matter. Justice Abang, in delivering the ruling, emphasized that the court had a duty to act judiciously and protect the legal rights of all parties involved in the dispute.
The Kano Emirate crisis has been one of Nigeria’s most high-profile traditional leadership battles in recent years. Sanusi, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, was appointed as the 14th Emir of Kano in 2014 but was removed in 2020 under controversial circumstances by the Kano State Government. His removal was seen by many as politically motivated, as he had clashed with the administration over governance and financial policies. Following his ouster, Ado Bayero was installed as the new emir, a move that split the Kano Emirate into opposing factions.
The legal dispute escalated in June 2024 when the Federal High Court in Kano, under Justice Abubakar Liman, nullified the Kano State Government’s Kano Emirates Council (Repeal) Law 2024. That law had been enacted to pave the way for Sanusi’s return to the throne, but the court ruled that it was invalid. The court also ordered that all parties maintain the status quo, effectively recognizing Ado Bayero’s reign while suspending Sanusi’s reinstatement. However, in a dramatic twist, the Court of Appeal has now ruled that the Federal High Court in Kano lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case. The appellate court determined that the matter should have been handled by either the Kano State High Court or the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
As part of its ruling, the Court of Appeal transferred the pending suit to the appropriate court and imposed a fine of N500,000 against the applicant, Aminu Baba-Dan’Agundi, in favor of the Kano State House of Assembly. The court’s decision has been met with mixed reactions, with Sanusi’s supporters arguing that he was unfairly removed and deserves to be reinstated, while Ado Bayero’s supporters insist that his appointment must be upheld to maintain stability in the state.
The Kano Emirate is one of the most powerful and historically significant traditional institutions in Nigeria. The ongoing leadership tussle has deep political undertones, as the choice of an emir often reflects the broader power struggles within Kano State’s political elite. With the Supreme Court now set to deliver the final verdict on the matter, the situation remains highly volatile. Legal experts believe that the ruling could have far-reaching implications not just for the Kano Emirate but for traditional leadership across Nigeria.
Sanusi’s removal in 2020 had sparked widespread debate on the role of traditional rulers in modern governance and their relationship with state governments. Many saw his dethronement as a political move aimed at silencing a critical voice in governance. His return in 2024 was viewed as an attempt to correct that perceived injustice, but the legal battles have prevented him from assuming full authority as emir.
The Supreme Court’s ruling will ultimately determine the rightful occupant of the throne, but until then, the people of Kano and observers across Nigeria remain on edge. The legal complexities surrounding the case highlight the intersection of tradition, politics, and the judiciary in Nigeria’s governance structure.
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