Emirate Crisis: Kano Gov Urges NBA to Address Conflicting Court Orders

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to address the issue of conflicting court judgments. Yusuf made this appeal during an NBA conference held in Kano city.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Bichi, Governor Yusuf emphasized the importance of legal practitioners providing truthful advice to their clients, even if it is unfavorable, rather than engaging in actions outside the law.

The governor’s remarks were made against the backdrop of the emirate crisis in Kano and the resulting legal disputes, which have led to conflicting judicial orders.

On May 23, 2024, the Kano State House of Assembly repealed the Act establishing five emirates in the state. Following this, Governor Yusuf reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi, who was dethroned in 2020, as the 16th Emir of Kano. Sanusi received his appointment letter on May 24 and moved into the palace the next day.

Simultaneously, on May 25, the deposed 15th Emir of Kano, Dr. Ado Bayero, returned to Kano and was escorted by security to a smaller palace, following a court order restraining the state government from appointing a new emir. Subsequently, the Kano High Court also restrained Bayero from acting as Emir, and another court issued a similar order against Sanusi in a lawsuit filed by Bayero’s supporters. The case against Sanusi was scheduled to be heard at the Federal High Court but was delayed due to a labor strike.

Following his reinstatement, Sanusi received homage from district heads, council chairmen, commissioners, and other prominent figures in Kano. Amid the legal battles, the NBA invited Sanusi to speak at their annual conference, where he addressed participants through a representative, Mahe Bashir Wali, highlighting Kano’s rich cultural and commercial history and stressing the importance of justice for societal peace and development.

The conference, held at the Amani Event Centre in Kano, was attended by notable figures, including Justice Benedict Kanyip, President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria; NBA President Yakubu Maikyau (SAN); and Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Dije Aboki.

Meanwhile, Bayero remains at the Nasarawa mini palace, heavily guarded by combined security forces. The roads leading to the palace are blocked, with restricted movement, allowing only those with valid reasons to pass. Despite the tensions, supporters and well-wishers of Bayero continue their activities outside the palace under tight security.