‘It’ll strengthen traditional institutions’ — Kano commends appeal court ruling on emirship dispute

The Kano government has commended the ruling of the court of appeal in Abuja, which barred the federal high court in the state from adjudicating over the emirate legal battle.

On May 23, Abba Yusuf, Kano governor, ordered the dethronement of Aminu Bayero as Emir of Kano and announced the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi. This caused a series of legal and political tussles in the state.

The Kano house of assembly had passed an amended bill to repeal the 2019 version, which divided the Kano emirate into five jurisdictions and was relied upon to dethrone Muhammadu Sanusi II as emir in 2020.

In June 2023, the federal high court nullified all actions by the Kano state government repealing the Kano Emirates Council Law of 2019.

However, the high court ordered the parties involved in the suit to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the case.

But, on Friday, the appellate court ruled that the high court lacked jurisdiction to handle the case, as it pertained to chieftaincy matters rather than the violation of fundamental human rights, as claimed by the plaintiffs.

Speaking on the matter, Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa, the governor’s spokesperson, said the court’s ruling validates the actions taken by the state government regarding chieftaincy appointments and reforms.

He said critical stakeholders, including the attorney general of the state, the commissioner for LGA and chieftaincy affairs, the commissioner for information, and 44 LGA chairpersons, have all reaffirmed their commitment to justice, fairness, and modernisation of traditional institutions.

“The appellate court’s ruling validated the actions taken by the Kano state government regarding chieftaincy appointments and reforms, emphasizing that these actions were in line with the law and the constitution,” the statement reads.

“The judgment also clarified the rightful jurisdiction over chieftaincy matters, stating that the Federal High Court had no authority to interfere in such issues.

“For the avoidance of doubt, all decisions, pronouncements, and orders made by the Federal High Court in Kano have been quashed and set aside by the Court of Appeal.

“Furthermore, the law enacted by the Kano State House of Assembly relating to Emirates, and all actions taken by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State pursuant to that law, have been fully upheld and legalized by the Court of Appeal.

“The ruling reinforces the state government’s reforms, which aim to ensure equitable representation, inclusive governance, and the strengthening of traditional institutions for the benefit of all Kano residents.”

Dawakin-Tofa said the state government urged all public and private institutions to respect and comply with the ruling of the appellate court.

“The Kano State Government remains committed to working in harmony with traditional institutions to foster development and unity across all emirates,” the statement reads.

“The government urged all parties to set aside differences and work together to promote peace and progress in Kano State. It reiterated its commitment to prioritizing the collective good of the state over individual interests.”