In a recent legal development, the Federal High Court has nullified the steps leading to the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano. This ruling was issued on Thursday, June 20, 2024, by Justice Muhammad Liman, who found that the process violated an earlier court order that instructed the Kano State government to maintain the status quo.
The case was brought to the court by Aminu Babba Danagundi, a kingmaker in the former Kano emirate. Justice Liman emphasized the gravity of disobeying court orders and declared the reinstatement of Sanusi null and void, highlighting the need to uphold judicial directives.
Despite the court’s ruling, the Kano State government, represented by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Barrister Haruna Isah Dederi, asserted that the decision supports their actions. During a press conference, Dederi stated that the ruling reaffirms the validity of the Kano Emirates Council (Repeal) Law, 2024, which was passed by the State House of Assembly and approved by the Governor. This law facilitated the dethronement of the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and the subsequent enthronement of Sanusi.
Dederi highlighted that the ruling validates all government actions taken before the interim court order was issued, including the abolition of the five emirates established in 2019 and the deposition of their respective emirs. Consequently, according to the state government, Muhammadu Sanusi II remains the legitimate Emir of Kano.
The government also noted that the court granted a stay of proceedings pending an appeal on jurisdiction, reinforcing their stance that the actions taken were legally sound and in accordance with the law.