BREAKING: Court Confirms Aminu Ado Bayero as Emir of Kano.
A Federal High Court in Kano has declared Aminu Ado Bayero as the legitimate Emir of Kano, overturning the Kano State government’s steps to repeal the Kano Emirates Council Law.
Background
The Kano House of Assembly had previously repealed the law, which Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf implemented by dethroning Aminu Ado Bayero and reversing the creation of four new emirates—Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya—established by his predecessor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Legal Challenge
The law had been used to re-appoint Muhammadu Sanusi II, who was dethroned by Ganduje in 2020, as the 16th Emir of Kano. However, Aminu Babba Danagundi, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba and a kingmaker in the former Kano emirate, challenged the legality of the repeal.
Court Ruling
In a ruling on Thursday, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman declared the actions of the Kano government null and void, thus reinstating Aminu Ado Bayero as the legitimate Emir of Kano. The court ordered all parties involved to maintain the status quo, effectively halting any further actions by the state government to dethrone Bayero or repeal the emirates law.
Implications
This ruling reaffirms Aminu Ado Bayero’s position as the Emir of Kano and invalidates the state government’s efforts to reorganize the emirate structure. The decision highlights the judiciary’s role in resolving disputes over traditional leadership and state legislative actions.
Statement from the Court
Justice Liman’s judgment emphasized the improper procedure followed by the Kano government and House of Assembly in their attempts to dethrone Bayero and dissolve the newly created emirates. The court’s ruling is seen as a victory for those advocating for the preservation of traditional structures and the rule of law in the region.
Next Steps
It remains to be seen how the Kano State government will respond to the ruling and whether there will be any further legal or political actions taken. For now, Aminu Ado Bayero remains the officially recognized Emir of Kano.
Public Reaction
The decision has been met with mixed reactions, with supporters of Aminu Ado Bayero celebrating the ruling, while others who supported the government’s reforms express disappointment. The court’s ruling is expected to have significant implications for the political and traditional landscape of Kano State.