A KANO State High Court has ordered Aminu Ado Bayero to stop parading himself as the Emir of Kano.
The court, in a judgement by Amina Aliyu, on Monday, July 15, also barred four other deposed emirs from posing as the emirs of Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya.
According to the court’s ruling, they should return the government’s moveable and immovable items in their custody.
The judge deferred the decision on the applications for a notice of preliminary objection, joinder, extension of time, and the judge’s recusal until July 18 on August 4.
The Kano State government filed the lawsuit on May 27, 2024, through its lawyer, Ibrahim Isah-Wangida.
The suit sought to prevent Bayero and other deposed emirs from posing as traditional leaders.
Ibrahim-Gaya (Emir of Gaya), Ibrahim Abubakar II (Emir of Karaye), Kabiru Muhammad-Inuwa (Emir of Rano), Aminu Ado Bayero (15th Emir of Kano), and Nasiru Ado Bayero (2nd Emir of Bichi) were listed as respondents.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Army, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director of the State Security Service in the State were also included among the respondents.
The court’s ruling was another turning point in the ongoing narrative of the state emirship tradition.
The emirship tussle in Kano has persisted for months since the government abolished the five emirates in the state.
The matter had been pending in courts, as the state High Court and a Federal High Court issued conflicting orders on the saga.
While Bayero refused to relinquish his office and has occupied the mini palace in the Nasarawa area of Kano City, Sanusi has been in charge of the main palace.
On June 3, The ICIR reported that the tussle over the throne left Kano residents and other Nigerians confused over who would lead the Kano Durbar, a significant and historic festival in the state usually led by the emir.
However, a few days before the festivities, the police banned all durbar activities as part of efforts to sustain peace in the state.
Despite conflicting court’ rulings, the two leaders have maintained their stance on holding on to the throne.
A reporter with the ICIR
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