Emirship tussle : Group fault Kano govt’s interpretation of Appeal Court verdict

A coalition of groups under the banner of the Coalition for Justice and Rule of Law has raised concerns over the Kano Government’s interpretation of a recent Court of Appeal judgement on Emirship seats in the state .

In a statement signed by the coalition’s convener, Dr. Bashir Danmalam, the group disputed the government’s claim that the Court of Appeal validated the 2024 Emirate Council Law and its related actions regarding traditional chieftaincy appointments and reforms.

“Contrary to the government’s interpretation, the Court of Appeal did not validate or legalize the actions taken by the Kano State Governor under the disputed Emirate Council Law of 2024,” Danmalam stated.

READ ALSO :’How Kano Attorney General misled public on judgement asserting Emir Bayero, others’

He emphasized that the Court of Appeal issued two judgments: one overturning the Federal High Court’s decision on jurisdiction and another reversing the entire judgment of the Kano State High Court.

Danmalam explained that the Court of Appeal held that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction over chieftaincy matters, but this ruling did not support the Kano State Government’s position.

On the second appeal, the Court of Appeal’s judgement favoured His Highness Aminu Ado Bayero and the emirates of Bichi, Gaya, Rano, and Karaye.

Danmalam noted that the Kano State High Court had earlier ruled against Bayero and the emirates, declaring their appointments improper under the 2024 Emirate Law and calling for Bayero’s removal. However, the appellate court set aside this High Court judgment and ordered a retrial before a different judge.

The coalition emphasized that the Court of Appeal’s decision means Bayero’s continued occupation of the throne remains legitimate, while the attempted reinstatement of Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II remains legally questionable.

“We commend the judiciary for upholding justice and fairness. We strongly urge the Kano State Government to stop misleading the public about the Court of Appeal’s ruling being in its favor,” the statement added.

The group also advised Sanusi to refrain from presenting himself as the Emir of Kano, noting that no court has affirmed his legitimacy as the current Emir.

“Sanusi remains the 14th Emir of Kano, and we shall continue to accord him due respect,” the coalition stated.

The group called on Kano residents to support all five emirates—Kano, Bichi, Gaya, Rano, and Karaye—for the unity and progress of the state.