Confusion in Kano Over Conflicting Court Orders on Emirate Throne Dispute

Kano experienced significant confusion on Tuesday due to conflicting court orders in the ongoing dispute over the Kano Emirate throne between Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and the deposed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero.

Justice S. Amobeda of the Federal High Court in Kano ordered the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Hussain Gumel, to ensure all rights and privileges of an Emir were given to Ado Bayero. Conversely, Justice Amina Aliyu of the Kano State High Court restrained the police, the Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Army from evicting Muhammadu Sanusi II from the palace.

In defiance of the state high court’s order, which directed the police to evict him from the mini palace in Nasarawa, Bayero remained in place. Instead of carrying out the eviction, the police and army increased security around the mini palace.

Later on Tuesday, Justice Aliyu issued another order preventing the police from evicting Sanusi from the main palace. This ruling was in response to a case filed by Sanusi and four Kano kingmakers. The respondents included the Kano State Commissioner of Police, the Inspector-General of Police, the DSS director, the Chief of Defence Staff, and Aminu Ado Bayero. The judge restrained the respondents from “attempting to hijack” the symbols of authority meant for the Emir of Kano pending the suit’s determination.

On Monday, the same judge had restrained Bayero and four dethroned emirs of Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye from parading as emirs pending the suit’s determination. These orders followed an ex-parte application filed by Ibrahim Wangida, counsel to the Attorney General of Kano State, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, and the Kano State House of Assembly.

In her latest order, Justice Aliyu granted an interim injunction restraining the respondents from harassing or intimidating Sanusi and the Kano emirate kingmakers until the suit's determination. The case was adjourned to June 13.

In a new twist on Tuesday, Justice Amobeda of the Federal High Court ordered the Inspector-General of Police and the Kano State Commissioner of Police to ensure all rights and privileges of an Emir were given to Bayero, stating it was in the interest of justice and peace in Kano State.

The conflict began last Thursday when Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf deposed Bayero and four other first-class emirs and reinstated Sanusi, following the repeal of the law used by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje to depose Sanusi in 2020. Sanusi, the former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, was removed for alleged insubordination and exiled to Nasarawa State. The 2023 elections saw the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) sweep nearly all elective offices in Kano, leading to the passage of the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024, dissolving the five emirate councils created by Ganduje.

Governor Yusuf reinstated Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, citing the Kano Emirate Council Law of 1984 and 2024 and the recommendation of the kingmakers. Despite his deposition, Bayero returned to Kano and stayed at the Nasarawa mini palace, leading to protests by his supporters. The state government downplayed the protests, insisting Sanusi’s reinstatement followed due process.

The legal battle continues, with conflicting rulings and heightened tensions. A Federal High Court order restrained security agencies from arresting Bayero pending the suit’s determination, while Justice Aliyu's order emphasized preventing any interference with Sanusi’s rights. The situation remains tense, with increased security around the mini palace and restricted access.

Legal experts and civil society leaders have called for adherence to the rule of law and prioritizing peace in Kano over political interests. They warn against the potential for conflict and emphasize the need for the Federal Government to respect the autonomy of Kano's traditional institutions.