The eagerly awaited decision of the Federal High Court on the validity of the Kano Emirates Council Repeal Law 2024 has been delayed, with the new time set for 2 PM on Thursday. This law, recently enacted by the Kano State House of Assembly, has ignited a significant legal and political conflict. Its rapid passage and implementation led to the dethronement of five Emirs and the dissolution of their Emirates in the state, a dramatic shift that occurred roughly four weeks ago.
The Kano State House of Assembly passed the Emirates Council Repeal Bill on May 23, 2024. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf immediately signed it into law, triggering a series of consequential changes. Among these changes was the dethronement of Aminu Ado Bayero, the 15th Emir of Kano. Additionally, the law annulled the creation of four new emirates—Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya— which had been established by the former governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. A notable provision of the new law was the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II, who had been dethroned by Ganduje in 2020, thus naming him the 16th Emir of Kano once again.
The enactment of this law did not proceed unchallenged. Aminu Babba Danagundi, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, contested its legality. Represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chikaosolu Ojukwu, Danagundi has petitioned the court to declare the law null and void, arguing that its passage and implementation did not conform to legal standards and procedures.
After hearing arguments related to this challenge last Friday, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman of the Federal High Court in Kano deferred his ruling to this Thursday. This decision is critical, as it will address not only the validity of the law but also the broader implications for the structure and governance of traditional institutions in Kano State.
The court will also consider a motion for a stay of proceedings filed by A.G. Wakil, who represents the State’s Attorney General and the Kano State Government, both respondents in Danagundi’s suit. This motion aims to pause the legal process while certain procedural matters are resolved.
During the last court session, another significant development occurred. Eyitayo Fatogun (SAN), representing the State House of Assembly and its Speaker, informed the court about a notice of appeal filed at the Court of Appeal. This appeal seeks a stay of proceedings in the Federal High Court. However, Justice Liman noted that there was no evidence that the appeal had been formally entered nor any formal application for a stay filed, leaving this matter unresolved.
The court proceedings scheduled for Thursday morning were adjourned until 2 PM, as announced by the court clerk. This decision by Justice Liman is highly anticipated and is expected to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing crisis surrounding the Kano Emirate.
Given the heightened tensions surrounding the case, security measures have been intensified. The Kano State Police Command has increased patrols around the Federal High Court. SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the police spokesperson, has called for calm among the citizens, urging them to respect the forthcoming court verdict. This appeal is crucial to maintaining peace and order in the region during this contentious period.
The outcome of Thursday’s ruling will have significant implications not only for Kano’s traditional institutions but also for the broader political landscape in Nigeria. It is likely to set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled across the country, potentially influencing the relationship between traditional institutions and state governments. The ruling could either uphold the sweeping changes introduced by the Kano Emirates Council Repeal Law or reinstate the previous structure, thereby reshaping the power dynamics within Kano State and beyond.
