Kano Royal Stool Face Off: Conflicting Judicial Rulings Heighten Tension, Anxiety

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In what may readily pass as a manifestation of judicial shenanigans in the ongoing struggle for the control of the soul of Kano Emirate, two high courts sitting in the ancient commercial city delivered conflicting rulings which have tended to further complicate the stalemate.

First in what appears to be  a reinforcement of an earlier order restraining the Kano State Authorities from dethroning Emir Aminu Ado Bayero and four others, Justice S. A. Amobeda of a Federal High Court sitting in Kano,  on Tuesday May 28, 2024 granted an order directing all relevant Authorities ,Security Agencies inclusive, to evict the Kano State Government backed Emir Muhammad Sanusi from the main Kano Emirate Palace which he has been occupying since his purported reinstatement on Thursday, May 23, by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The Source reports that Justice Mohammad Liman of the Federal High Court Kano had, on same Thursday ,May 23 2024, issued an order restraining the Kano State authorities, particularly Governor Yusuf from deposing Emir Bayero pending the determination of a  substantive suit filed by the applicants .

However, in contravention of the order, Governor Yusuf deposed Emir Bayero and four other Emirs of Gaya,Karaye,Rano,and Bichi, and  reinstalled Emir Sanusi ,after signing into law the 2024 Kano State  Emirates amended bill that, at once, voided the 2019 laws which recognized five Emirates.

But the refusal of Security Agencies to enforce the deposition efforts prompted the Kano State Government to approach and subsequently secured an order from a Kano State High Court on Monday, May 27, compelling security agencies to enforce the deposition of Emir Bayero .

Specifically, Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu had directed security agencies to evict Emir Bayero from the mini Emirate palace in the Nasarawa area of  Kano, insisting that his continued stay both at the Palace and Kano poses a great threat to the peace and stability of the state.

But ruling on an ex parte motion brought before him by the camp of Emir Bayero ,Justice Amobeda of the Federal High Court Kano issued an interim order directing Security Agencies and other relevant authorities to evict Sanusi, noting that such is imperative for the continued existence of peace and stability in Kano.

“An order of interim injunction restraining the Respondents ( Kano State Government ,Security Agencies and any others) from inviting arresting, detaining threatening intimidating, and harassing the Applicant( Bayero) or infringing on his rights is hereby granted ” Justice Amobeda further ruled

Similarly,to protect Sanusi and  its earlier order Justice Aliyu again same Monday May 28 issued an order restraining Security Agencies and or any others from  harassing Sanusi and or other key persons in relation to the ongoing Royal tussle.

“This order prevents any interference with the Emir’s autonomy and the seizure of key symbols of his authority ,such as the twin spear ,the Royal spear and Hat of Dabo and the Ostrich-feathered shoes.

“An order of interim injunction is granted restraining the Respondents from harassing or intimidating the Applicant or confiscating any symbols of the Emir’s authority .

“The Respondents are ordered to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice ” Justice Aliyu ordered.

Justice Amobeda has fixed June 4, 2024, for hearing of the motion on  notice ,while Aliyu of the Kano State High Court adjourned hearing to June 13, 2024.