Court Overturns Kano State’s Removal of Emir Ado Bayero and Abolishment of Emirates

A Federal High Court in Kano has nullified the actions taken by the Kano state government to abolish the Kano Emirates Council Law.

Summary:

1. Repeal of the Law: The Kano House of Assembly had repealed the Kano Emirates Council Law.
2. Governor’s Actions: Following the repeal, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf:
   • Dethroned Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero as the Emir of Kano.
   • Reversed the creation of four new emirates: Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya, sacking the emirs appointed by the previous governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
   • Re-appointed Muhammadu Sanusi II, who had been dethroned in 2020 by Ganduje, as the 16th Emir of Kano.
3. Legal Challenge: Aminu Babba Danagundi, a traditional kingmaker in the former Kano emirate, contested the legality of these actions in court. His lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), argued that the repeal and the subsequent actions were unlawful.
4. Court Ruling: On Thursday, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman ruled against the Kano state government’s actions, ordering all parties involved to maintain the previous status quo, effectively nullifying the changes made by Governor Yusuf.

In essence, the court has reversed the governor’s decisions, restoring the situation to how it was before these changes were made. Further details on the ruling are expected to be released later.