A Kano State High Court, led by Justice Amina Aliyu, has ruled that Aminu Ado Bayero and four other deposed Emirs can no longer present themselves as Emirs.
This ruling marks a significant development in the ongoing legal and political conflict surrounding the traditional leadership structure in Kano State.
The case arose after the Kano State Government filed a suit seeking to prevent Aminu Ado Bayero, the 15th Emir of Kano, and the former Emirs of Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye from using their titles and privileges. The government had previously deposed these Emirs and ordered them to vacate their palaces within 48 hours.
In her judgment delivered on Monday, Justice Aliyu stated, “Aminu Ado Bayero and the deposed Emirs of Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye are restrained from parading themselves as Emirs.” This ruling effectively upholds the government’s decision to remove the Emirs from their positions and enforce the newly established legal framework for the Emirate Council.
Justice Aliyu clarified that the issue of evicting the deposed Emir Bayero from his Nassarawa mini palace is a matter for the rent tribunal and not within the jurisdiction of this court. “The issue of evicting the deposed Emir Bayero from his Nassarawa mini palace is a rent tribunal matter and is not before this court,” she noted.
The court also directed the deposed Emirs to return all traditional royal artefacts to the government and the current Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II. Justice Aliyu explained that the court’s decision was in accordance with the State Assembly Emirate Council Repeal Law 2024, which was enacted following constitutional provisions. “The State Assembly Emirate Council Repeal Law 2024 was done according to the Law as enshrined in Section 4 of the Constitution,” she said. She further confirmed that Governor Abba Yusuf’s assent to the law was proper and constitutional.
