The Kano State Government has issued a formal clarification regarding the recent Court of Appeal judgment concerning the emirship dispute that has stirred significant debate and media speculation.
The state government emphasized the need for accurate interpretation of the court’s ruling to prevent misinformation and potential unrest among the people of Kano.
In a statement released on Saturday by the governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Dawakin-Tofa, the government sought to address the misrepresentations circulating in the public domain.
The statement followed a press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Kano, where the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Dederi, provided detailed insights into the judgment and its implications.
Court of Appeal’s Decision
Dederi explained that the Court of Appeal, in its ruling delivered on January 10, 2025, upheld the repeal of the Kano Emirate Council Law, 2019, effectively overturning the earlier judgment of the Federal High Court in Kano.
This decision, he noted, is of significant consequence as it affirms the validity of the state government’s actions concerning the emirate structure.
The legal dispute revolves around the controversial reinstatement of Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who was removed in 2020 by the previous administration.
The repeal of the 2019 law led to the dissolution of the newly created emirates, thus paving the way for Sanusi’s return to the throne.
However, in response to the ruling, Alhaji Aminu Dan’agundi, a key stakeholder in the emirship tussle, expressed dissatisfaction and has since escalated the matter to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Implications of the Court of Appeal Ruling
The Attorney General underscored that while the appeal by Dan’agundi is within his legal rights, the judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal remains valid and binding until a contrary decision is issued by the Supreme Court.
Furthermore, he clarified that the stay of execution granted by the appellate court is a routine legal procedure that ensures the status quo is maintained until the Supreme Court makes a final determination on the matter.
“This is standard practice in the judiciary to prevent any party from taking irreversible steps while a case is still under legal consideration,” Dederi stated.
He reiterated that the Kano State Government remains committed to upholding the rule of law and respecting judicial pronouncements, calling on all concerned parties to do the same.
Government’s Position and Call for Calm
The Kano State Government has urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing the importance of maintaining peace and unity within the state.
In light of the ongoing legal battle, the government has instructed its legal team to thoroughly analyze the Court of Appeal’s ruling and determine the appropriate next steps within the confines of the law.
“The government assures the people of Kano that it will continue to act in their best interests while ensuring that justice prevails in this matter,” the statement read.
Additionally, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf expressed appreciation to the people of Kano State for their patience, resilience, and unwavering prayers for peace and progress.
He emphasized that the resolution of the emirship dispute should not be a source of division but rather an opportunity for strengthening the unity and heritage of the Kano Emirate.
Background of the Dispute
The legal battle over the Kano Emirate traces back to 2019 when the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje amended the Kano Emirate Council Law.
The amendment led to the creation of four additional emirates—Bichi, Karaye, Rano, and Gaya—effectively reducing the influence of the Kano Emir, a move widely seen as a strategy to weaken Sanusi’s authority.
Sanusi was subsequently deposed in March 2020 and replaced by Aminu Ado Bayero. However, the 2023 election of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, a known ally of Sanusi, reignited calls for the reversal of Ganduje’s actions.
The repeal of the 2019 law earlier in 2024 led to Sanusi’s reinstatement, sparking renewed legal confrontations.
With the matter now before the Supreme Court, all eyes remain on the judiciary as the final verdict is awaited.
Many observers believe that the Supreme Court’s ruling will have far-reaching consequences, not just for the Kano Emirate but for traditional institutions across Nigeria.
Public Reaction and Future Implications
The controversy surrounding the Kano Emirate has generated widespread reactions from various quarters.
Traditional rulers, political stakeholders, and civil society organizations have expressed diverse opinions on the matter.
Some believe that reinstating Sanusi is a corrective step towards restoring historical justice, while others argue that the dissolution of the four emirates undermines the progress made in decentralizing traditional authority in Kano.
The uncertainty surrounding the final outcome has also heightened political tensions in Kano, with supporters of both Sanusi and Ado Bayero closely monitoring developments.
The Kano State Government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order, warning against any actions that could incite violence or unrest.
As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the case, legal experts predict a rigorous examination of the constitutional implications of the emirate law repeal.
Some believe that the ruling could set a precedent for the relationship between state governments and traditional institutions nationwide.
For now, the Kano State Government continues to affirm that the Court of Appeal’s decision remains legally binding until the Supreme Court issues a final judgment.
The government has reassured the people of Kano that it is taking all necessary steps to navigate the situation lawfully and peacefully.
While the legal battle rages on, the broader issue at stake remains the preservation of Kano’s rich traditional heritage and ensuring that justice prevails.
The coming months will be critical in determining the fate of the Kano Emirate and its revered institutions, with the Supreme Court holding the key to a resolution.
The public is urged to stay informed through verified sources and refrain from spreading false narratives that could aggravate tensions.
Regardless of the outcome, the need for unity and respect for the rule of law remains paramount in Kano’s future stability and progress.
