By Our Reporter
A Kano State High Court has ruled that Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero must cease identifying himself as the Emir of Kano. The judgment, delivered by Justice Amina Aliyu, also applies to four other deposed monarchs who are barred from claiming the titles of Emirs of Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya.
The court mandated that these deposed emirs return all movable and immovable properties belonging to the Kano State government.
This decision follows an adjournment on July 4, where the court addressed several motions including applications for an extension of time, a preliminary objection, a joinder application, and a request for the judge to recuse herself.
Tensions have been high in Kano since Governor Abba Yusuf invoked the Kano Emirates Council Repeal Law 2024 to dethrone Bayero and the others. Subsequently, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II was reinstated as the Emir of Kano.
At the time of his dethronement, Bayero was visiting the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, in Ogun State. He returned to Kano shortly after, under full military protection, and relocated to a mini palace in Nassarawa with security provided by military, police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel. This situation has fueled speculation that he has federal government backing.
The state government quickly moved Sanusi to the Gidan Rumfa Palace after learning that Bayero planned to return there.
The case has seen multiple court appearances, with both parties unwilling to compromise.
Counsel for the applicants, Mr. Ibrahim Isa-Wangida, urged the court to disregard the respondents’ affidavit of facts. Counsel for Ado Bayero, Mr. Abdul Muhammed SAN, filed an affidavit of fact with a notice of appeal and a motion to stay proceedings, seeking to halt the court’s proceedings until the appeal is heard. Meanwhile, Hassan Tanko-Kyaure, counsel for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th respondents, sought an extension of time and challenged the legality of the Kano State Emirates Council (Repeal) Law 2024, requesting the court to dismiss the applicants’ case with a cost of N1 billion.
Counsel for the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Sunday Ekwe, indicated they had no additional submissions. The respondents moved various applications related to procedural matters and the judge’s potential recusal.