A Federal High Court in Kano State, Nigeria has invalidated all actions taken by the Kano State Government to repeal the Kano Emirates Council Law.
This ruling effectively nullifies the dethronement of Aminu Ado Bayero as Emir of Kano and the dissolution of four emirates created under the repealed law, namely Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya.
The Kano State Assembly had repealed the law, and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf implemented these changes, which included the removal of Emirs appointed by his predecessor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje. The law was also used to re-appoint Muhammadu Sanusi II, who was dethroned in 2020, as the 16th Emir of Kano.
The court’s decision came in response to a legal challenge brought by Aminu Babba Danagundi, a kingmaker in the former Kano emirate. His counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), argued that the law was improper and requested its nullification.
Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman, in his ruling, declared the actions of the Kano government null and void and ordered all parties to maintain the status quo. He criticized the defendants for disregarding an interim court order and proceeding with the implementation of the law.
While Justice Liman transferred the case to Justice Simon Amobeda due to his elevation to the Court of Appeal, the decision marks a significant legal setback for the Kano State Government’s efforts to restructure the emirates.
