The Kano State government has reaffirmed Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano following a Federal High Court ruling.
The decision comes with an order for the immediate removal and demolition of the Gidan Nassarawa mini-palace occupied by Aminu Ado Bayero, the 15th Emir.
The directive was announced by Haruna Isa Dederi, the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, along with Baffa Bichi, the Secretary to the State Government, during a press briefing.
Court Ruling and Government Actions
The Federal High Court’s decision supports the Kano State Emirates Council (Repeal) Law, 2024, which abolished five emirates created in 2019 and upheld the deposition of the emirs of those emirates, including Bayero. The ruling validates actions taken by the government prior to the interim court order on May 27, 2024.
Dederi stated: “By the ruling of the Court, it has unequivocally reaffirmed the validity of the law passed by Kano State House of Assembly and assented to by His Excellency on May 23, 2024.” This ruling reinstates Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, following the legal processes completed before the interim order was served.
Demolition Orders
The government has mandated the state Commissioner of Police to evict Bayero from the Gidan Nassarawa mini-palace, a government property deemed to be under unauthorized occupation. Plans have been set for the property’s renovation, including the demolition of the dilapidated wall fence.
Dederi emphasized the necessity of the eviction: “Following this Court’s ruling, the Kano State Government has directed the State Commissioner of Police to remove the deposed emir of the 8 metropolitan local governments from the Government property where he is trespassing.”
Government’s Appeal for Peace
In his address, Dederi called on Kano residents to remain peaceful and celebrate the court’s decision, reinforcing the government’s commitment to maintaining order and legality. He concluded with a hopeful note for the state’s future stability and prosperity.
