Kano Gov Lauds Appeal Court Ruling on Emirship Dispute

The Kano State Government has expressed satisfaction with the ruling of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which barred the Federal High Court in Kano from hearing a legal dispute over the emirate system.

The controversy began on May 23, 2023, when Governor Abba Yusuf announced the dethronement of Aminu Bayero as Emir of Kano and reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II. This decision sparked political and legal battles over the governance of Kano’s traditional institutions.

In 2019, the Kano State House of Assembly enacted a law that divided the Kano Emirate into five jurisdictions. This law was cited during the 2020 dethronement of Muhammadu Sanusi II. However, in June 2023, the Federal High Court nullified actions by the state government to repeal the 2019 law and ordered a status quo until the case was resolved.

On Friday, the Court of Appeal overturned the High Court’s decision, ruling that it lacked jurisdiction to handle the matter, as it concerned chieftaincy affairs rather than fundamental human rights issues.

Reacting to the judgment, Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa, spokesperson for the governor, said the appellate court’s ruling upheld the state government’s reforms and actions regarding chieftaincy appointments.

“The appellate court’s decision validates the reforms undertaken by the Kano State Government to modernize and strengthen traditional institutions. It confirms that all actions taken were in line with the law and the constitution,” Dawakin-Tofa said in a statement.

He further noted that the judgment clarified jurisdictional boundaries, stating that the Federal High Court had no authority over chieftaincy matters. “For the avoidance of doubt, all decisions and orders previously made by the Federal High Court in Kano have been quashed by the Court of Appeal. The ruling also upholds the emirate reforms enacted by the Kano State House of Assembly and the actions taken by His Excellency, the governor, under that law.”

Dawakin-Tofa emphasized that the reforms were designed to promote equitable representation, inclusive governance, and the advancement of traditional institutions for the benefit of Kano residents.

The state government also called on all public and private institutions to respect the appellate court’s ruling. “The Kano State Government is committed to fostering harmony with traditional institutions to drive development and unity across the emirates,” the statement read.

In closing, the government urged all stakeholders to prioritize peace and progress in Kano, setting aside individual differences for the collective good of the state.