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| Contradictory Court Rulings as Sanusi, Bayero Vie for Kano Emirship |
In Kano State, two courts have delivered opposing interim orders regarding the dispute over the Kano Emirate.
Justice S. A. Amobeda of the Federal High Court in Kano directed on Tuesday that the reinstated emir, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, be removed from Gidan Rumfa palace.
Conversely, Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu of the Kano State High Court issued a different order, preventing the police, the State Security Services (SSS), and the Nigerian Army from evicting, bothering, or detaining Sanusi.
The struggle for the royal seat has intensified between Sanusi and Aminu Ado Bayero, leading to demonstrations by their supporters in Kano.
Following the annulment of the law by former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, which led to his deposition and exile in 2020, Sanusi was restored by Governor Abba Yusuf in a ceremony at the Government House.
Nonetheless, on May 23, a Federal High Court in Kano barred the state government from implementing the Emirate Council Repeal Law 2024, which allowed for Sanusi's reinstatement and Bayero's removal.
Upon Bayero's return to Kano and his relocation to Nassarawa Palace, Governor Yusuf commanded his arrest, citing potential unrest in the state.
This led to the stationing of military forces at Nassarawa Palace. A Kano State High Court on Monday forbade Bayero from claiming the title of Emir of Kano and demanded his departure from Nassarawa Palace.
Justice Aisha Adamu Aliyu, presiding over the case, also barred the deposed emirs of the dissolved emirates from performing royal duties in Kano.
Court Orders Sanusi's Removal
On Tuesday, the Federal High Court in Kano ordered Sanusi's eviction from the palace.
The court also mandated the police to grant all rights and privileges to the 15th Fulani Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero.
Justice S. A. Amobeda, who issued the exparte order, declared it necessary for justice and peace in Kano State.
The order reads, "An interim injunction is granted, restraining the respondents, their agents, servants, privies, or any other person from inviting, arresting, detaining, threatening, intimidating, harassing the applicant, raiding, tampering with, or visiting the applicant's residence to arrest or infringe on his rights or otherwise infringe or attempt to infringe the applicant's rights pending the resolution of the originating motion.
An order is issued, preventing the 3rd, 4th, and 5th respondents and all others from denying the applicant the use of his official residence and palace at the Emir's Palace, Kofar Kudu, as well as the enjoyment of all rights and privileges due to him as Emir of Kano State and from evicting anything or anyone residing within the palace illegally until the originating summons is resolved."
The case is postponed to June 4 for further hearing.
Security Agents Barred from Removing Sanusi
Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu of the Kano High Court at Miller Road has barred the police, the State Security Service, SSS, and the Nigerian military from removing Sanusi from the palace.
The lawsuit was initiated by the emir and the four kingmakers of Kano: Madakin Kano Yusuf Nabahani; Makaman Kano Ibrahim Sarki Abdullahi; Sarkin Bai Mansur Adnan; and Sarkin Dawaki Maituta Bello Tuta.
Justice Aliyu also prohibited the security agencies from detaining or harassing the emir and his kingmakers.
The judge ruled, "An interim injunction is granted, restraining the respondents, their agents, privies, representatives, and assigns from further harassing, intimidating, inviting, arresting, or invading the personal or official residence of the applicants (Gidan Rumfa), their servants, or any of the Kano Emirate kingmakers from actions that could interfere with the applicants' rights in relation to this lawsuit pending the motion on notice's resolution.
An interim injunction is granted, preventing the respondents from attempting to seize, commandeer, or confiscate any twin spear of authority, the Royal Hat of Dabo, the Ostrich-feathered shoes, the knife and sword of the Emir of Kano, as well as other symbols of authority until the motion on notice is resolved.
An interim injunction is issued, restraining the respondents from taking further action or maintaining the status quo, halting all actions until the motion on notice is resolved.
The respondents are further ordered to refrain from interfering with the functions and duties of the 1st applicant as the Emir of Kano until the motion on notice, dated May 28, 2024, is resolved."
The motion on notice is scheduled for a hearing on June 13, 2024.
Traders Honor Sanusi, Minority Lawmakers Visit Bayero
On Tuesday, the Kantin Kwari Market Traders Association paid their respects to Sanusi.
The traders' delegation, led by the state's Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Adamu Aliyu Kibiya, visited the emir's palace, Kofar Kudu, to express their loyalty and allegiance to the monarch.
Sanusi urged the traders to maintain honesty and fairness in their dealings, highlighting Kano's status as a prominent commercial hub that draws international merchants due to the traders' contributions.
Since Sunday, the emir has welcomed visitors coming to pledge their loyalty, including 40 district heads and titleholders.
Reports indicate that vigilante groups and local hunters (Yan Tauri) continue to guard the palace.
Five DSS operatives were observed guarding an entrance to one of the emir's offices at Gidan Rumfa.
In the meantime, 12 All Progressives Congress (APC) members of the Kano State House of Assembly visited Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero at Nassarawa Palace on Tuesday following the assembly's session.
The APC legislators, led by minority leader Labaran Abdul Madari, also declared their support for Bayero.
The 15th Kano emir prayed for peace in Kano.
Investigations revealed that armed security personnel remain stationed at Nassarawa Palace.
