A Kano High Court has issued an order restraining Aminu Ado Bayero from presenting himself as the Emir of Kano, following his dethronement.
The ruling was delivered by Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu on Monday, July 15, 2024.
In her judgment, Justice Aliyu ordered the 15th Emir of Kano, along with four other Emirs, to cease presenting themselves as Emirs of Kano, Bichi, Gaya, Rano, and Karaye. The order extends to their servants, privies, and any other individuals appointed by them.
The Kano State government, represented by its counsel, Ibrahim Isah-Wangida, had on May 27, 2024, initiated the case, seeking to stop Bayero and other dethroned emirs from parading themselves as traditional rulers.
Named as respondents were Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero (15th Emir of Kano), Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero (2nd Emir of Bichi), Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar II (Emir of Karaye), Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad-Inuwa (Emir of Rano), and Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim-Gaya (Emir of Gaya). Additionally, the Inspector General of Police, the Director of the State Security Service in the State, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigeria Army were listed as respondents.
The ruling stemmed from the decision by the Kano State government to dethrone the five emirs, who were appointed by the previous administration of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
The decision to abolish the four out of the five emirates has led to a legal battle and widespread debate within the state, with the deposed Emir Bayero holding court in the Nasarawa mini palace in Kano while reinstated Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, resides in the main Emir’s palace, both claiming to be the legitimate traditional rulers of Kano.
The court’s decision marks a critical point in the ongoing saga, potentially reshaping the traditional leadership structure in the State.
