The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ruled that all parties involved in the Kano Emirship tussle must exercise caution while awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision. The appellate court also stayed previous rulings against the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.
In a unanimous ruling, a three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Biobele Georgewill, upheld the withdrawal of an application filed by the Kano State Government after the appeal record was transmitted to the Supreme Court.
Kano Emirship Tussle Intensifies as Legal Battle Continues
The Kano State Government reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir based on the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024. This law also validated the removal of Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir and dissolved the four first-class emirates created by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
However, on March 14, 2025, Justice Okon Abang ruled for a stay of execution on the Court of Appeal’s previous judgment affirming Sanusi’s reinstatement. The judge further directed all parties to maintain the status quo as it was before the trial court’s June 13, 2024, ruling.
Respondents disputed this ruling, calling it a misinterpretation of the Constitution, and argued that an appeal had already been filed at the Supreme Court. They maintained that once an appeal is transmitted to the apex court, judicial precedent dictates that it operates as a stay on lower court rulings.
Supreme Court to Decide Final Outcome of Kano Emirship Tussle
Following this submission, the Court of Appeal ruled that all parties must remain cautious pending the Supreme Court hearing on the Kano Emirship tussle.
During proceedings, counsel for the appellant, Abdul Fagge (SAN), did not oppose the notice, agreeing that the respondents acted within constitutional provisions.
At the resumed hearing, Ibrahim Wangida, representing the Kano State Government, confirmed that a notice of appeal had been filed against the stay of execution order issued on March 14, 2025. He further stated that all legal processes, including the transmission of the appeal record, had been completed at the Supreme Court.
With the case now at the apex court, all eyes are on the final ruling, which will determine the fate of the Kano Emirship tussle.
