In a landmark ruling, the Federal High Court in Kano, presided over by Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman, has reaffirmed that Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II remains the Emir of Kano. The ruling, delivered on Thursday, has significant implications for the Kano Emirate’s leadership and the political landscape of the state.
During a press conference held at the Government House, Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Haruna Isah Dederi, expressed the state government’s satisfaction with the court’s decision. Addressing the media on behalf of Governor Abba K. Yusuf, Dederi emphasized the ruling’s validation of the Kano Emirates Council (Repeal) Law, 2024.
“Today, 20th June 2024, the Federal High Court No. 1, Kano, has delivered its ruling on the case before it. I am honored, on behalf of His Excellency Gov. Abba K. Yusuf and the Kano State Government, to address you regarding the ongoing litigation stemming from the abolishment of the five emirates and the deposition of the former emirs,” Dederi stated.
The ruling confirms the validity of the law passed by the Kano State House of Assembly and assented to by Governor Yusuf on May 23, 2024. This pivotal judgement underscores the legality of the actions taken by the state government, including the dissolution of the five emirates established in 2019 and the deposition of their emirs.
“By the ruling of the Court, it has unequivocally reaffirmed the validity of the law passed by the Kano State House of Assembly and assented to by His Excellency the Executive Governor of Kano State on Thursday, 23rd May, 2024, by 5:10 PM. This part of the judgement is very fundamental to the entire matter,” Dederi explained.
The court’s decision also validates all government actions taken prior to the interim order issued on May 27, 2024. This includes the abolishment of the five emirates and the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano. Furthermore, the judge granted the government’s application for a stay of proceedings pending the outcome of an appeal concerning jurisdiction currently before the Court of Appeal.
“The signing of the law and the reinstatement of His Highness, Emir Muhammad Sunusi II, were completed on May 23, 2024, before the interim order was served on us on May 27, 2024,” Dederi added.
This ruling marks a significant victory for the Kano State Government and reaffirms Muhammadu Sanusi II’s position as the rightful Emir of Kano. The decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for the governance and traditional leadership within the state.
