‘Nobody is above the law’ — deposed Kano Emir calls for justice

Aminu Ado Bayero, the 15th Emir of Kano, has called on the “authorities” to ensure justice is served in the emirship tussle in the state. 

Bayero was dethroned as the Emir on Thursday after the Kano state assembly repealed a 2019 emirate law that was used to oust Muhammadu Sanusi in 2020.

Subsequently, Sanusi was reinstated by Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano, while Bayero was in Ogun state on an official visit.

Upon his return, Bayero moved to the Kano emirate mini palace in Nassarawa LGA of the state, where his supporters thronged to welcome him.

The governor also ordered Bayero’s arrest “for creating tension in the state”.

Speaking when he hosted some security agents, Bayero said he would accept the position of the law, noting that no one is above it.

He called for calm, stressing the need for peace in Kano.

“I call on the people to remain law-abiding while awaiting the outcome of the legal process in this tussle,” Bayero said in Hausa.

“We call on the authority to do justice in this matter. Kano is a very influential state in Nigeria. Whatever affects Kano affects Nigeria.

“May peace reign in Kano. We pray for Allah to bless Kano with responsible and just leaders.

“Justice is the way to go on every issue. There will be justice. Nobody is above the law. We will accept whatever the law says. I appreciate all the people who have shown concern.

“As I said, justice will take its course. We will keep on praying for peace in Kano State. May Allah the Almighty protect us.”

On May 23, a federal high court in Kano ordered the state government not to enforce the Emirate Council Repeal Law 2024.

On Saturday, the Kano state police command said law enforcement agencies would obey the court order that ruled against Sanusi’s reinstatement.