The ongoing Kano Emirship dispute has taken another legal turn, but the state government insists that Muhammadu Sanusi II remains the rightful Emir of Kano. The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, has clarified that the recent Court of Appeal ruling does not overturn Sanusi’s reinstatement.
While the ruling has raised fresh debates, the government maintains that only the Supreme Court has the authority to reverse the decision that restored Sanusi to the throne. As the legal and political drama unfolds, Kano residents and traditional institutions remain on edge, awaiting the Supreme Court’s final verdict.
Court of Appeal’s Verdict: What It Really Means
On Friday, March 14, 2025, the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal ruled on an application filed by Alhaji Aminu Baba Dan Agundi, a prominent kingmaker loyal to the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero. Dan Agundi had requested a stay of execution to pause Sanusi’s reinstatement until the Supreme Court decides on the case.
The ruling, which has been widely misinterpreted, does not invalidate Sanusi’s position. Rather, it maintains the current situation until the Supreme Court delivers a final judgment.
Speaking to journalists, Kano’s Attorney General Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi clarified:
“The Appeal Court ruled that the status quo should remain as it is now, until after the Supreme Court judgment. This does not mean that the judgment delivered on January 10, 2025, has been quashed. That ruling is still valid and in place. The Court of Appeal cannot reverse its own decision. Only the Supreme Court has the authority to set aside the judgment of a lower court.”
This means that, for now, Sanusi remains the Emir of Kano, and any claims suggesting otherwise are misleading.
How Did We Get Here? The Legal Battle Explained
The Emirship crisis in Kano is the result of political and legal conflicts that have spanned several years. The timeline of key events provides insight into the current situation:
1. The Repeal of Kano Emirate Law
In 2019, then-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje created four additional emirates in Kano, effectively reducing the influence of the main Emirate. However, in 2024, the newly elected Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf repealed the law and restored Kano’s single-Emirate status. This paved the way for the reappointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.
2. The Federal High Court’s Initial Decision
Following Sanusi’s reinstatement, supporters of the dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero challenged the decision in court. In response, the Federal High Court in Kano initially nullified the actions of the Kano State government.
3. Court of Appeal Overturns the Judgment
On January 10, 2025, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, led by Justice Mohammad Mustapha, overturned the Federal High Court’s ruling. The appellate court ruled that the Kano State government had acted within its legal powers to reinstate Sanusi. This was seen as a major victory for the state government and Sanusi’s supporters.
4. The Supreme Court Appeal and Motion for Stay of Execution
Dissatisfied with the Court of Appeal’s decision, Dan Agundi and other supporters of Aminu Ado Bayero took the matter to the Supreme Court. They also filed a motion for a stay of execution, asking the Court of Appeal to suspend its judgment until the Supreme Court reaches a final decision.
5. Court of Appeal’s March 14, 2025 Ruling
While reviewing the application for a stay of execution, the Court of Appeal ruled that the current situation should remain unchanged until the Supreme Court delivers its judgment. However, this does not affect the earlier ruling that upheld Sanusi’s reinstatement.
Legal Perspectives: Why the Court of Appeal Cannot Reverse Itself
One of the major points emphasized by the Kano State Attorney General is that the Court of Appeal cannot overturn its own ruling. Legal experts agree that once an appellate court has given a final judgment on a matter, it cannot revisit or reverse that decision unless directed by the Supreme Court.
Dederi reinforced this by stating:
“Having passed a landmark verdict on January 10, 2025, that reaffirmed the power of the Kano State government to reappoint Sanusi, it is impossible for the Court of Appeal to set aside or quash its own decision on the same matter.”
This legal stance underscores that the Supreme Court is the only authority capable of changing the current status quo.
Political Implications: What This Means for Kano and Beyond
The Emirship tussle is more than just a legal matter; it is deeply intertwined with politics, history, and the cultural identity of Kano. The reinstatement of Sanusi was seen as a political move, considering his previous dethronement by former Governor Ganduje in 2020.
With Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration backing Sanusi, and supporters of Aminu Ado Bayero continuing their legal battle, the crisis has created division among Kano’s traditional institutions, political leaders, and even ordinary citizens.
Key Questions Moving Forward:
Will the Supreme Court uphold Sanusi’s reinstatement or rule in favor of Aminu Ado Bayero?
What impact will this ruling have on Kano’s political landscape?
How will this affect future Emir appointments in Kano?
While the Supreme Court prepares to give its final verdict, all eyes remain on Kano, where the outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching consequences for traditional rulership in Nigeria.
What’s Next? Awaiting the Supreme Court’s Decision
For now, the legal dispute continues, but Sanusi remains the recognized Emir of Kano. The Supreme Court’s decision will ultimately determine the final outcome of this Emirship saga.
As the case moves forward, Kano residents and Nigerians across the country are watching closely, knowing that the Supreme Court’s verdict will not only shape the future of the Kano Emirate but also set a precedent for similar disputes in other traditional institutions.
