Federal High Court in Kano nullifies the 2024 Emirate Law, challenging recent changes in Kano's traditional leadership. The ruling potentially reinstates the previous emirate structure, impacting recent appointments and removals. This decision marks a significant turn in the ongoing dispute over Kano's traditional governance system.
A Federal High Court in Kano has overturned the Kano State Emirate Law 2024, which had dissolved the five Emirates in Kano State. Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman ruled on Thursday to set aside the actions of the Kano State Government, effectively nullifying their attempt to repeal the Kano Emirates Council Law.
This decision has significant implications for the recent changes in Kano's traditional leadership structure. The court's ruling dismisses the steps taken by the state government to dethrone the 15th Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, and four other Emirs. Justice Liman ordered all parties to maintain the status quo.
The case was brought to court by Aminu Babba Danagundi, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba and a kingmaker in the former Kano emirate. Through his counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), Danagundi challenged the propriety of the new law and sought to have it declared null and void.
This legal battle stems from recent political changes in Kano. The state's House of Assembly had repealed a law established by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, which had created four additional emirate councils. The current governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, implemented this repeal by dethroning Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero as Emir of Kano and reinstating the previously dethroned 14th Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi.
The court's decision now casts doubt on these recent changes, potentially reverting Kano's emirate structure to its previous state and raising questions about the legitimacy of recent appointments and removals in the traditional leadership.
