Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero has rejected the Appeal Court’s judgment that nullified a Federal High Court order on the removal of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano. Bayero, announced on Sunday that he would challenge the ruling in the Supreme Court.
Speaking from the Nasarawa Palace, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Aminu Babba DanAgundi, who originally filed the suit dismissed by the Appeal Court, criticized Sanusi’s public statements on the matter. DanAgundi claimed Sanusi misrepresented the court’s decision, suggesting that the former emir’s remarks lacked a proper understanding of the legal situation.
Legal Disputes and Claims of Misrepresentation
DanAgundi expressed his disappointment with Sanusi’s alleged use of a mosque as a platform to spread what he termed “false narratives” about the court’s decision. He clarified the crux of their legal argument, stating that the initial case at the Federal High Court sought to nullify the repeal of chieftaincy laws by the Kano State Assembly. According to DanAgundi, the repeal process lacked procedural fairness, particularly concerning Bayero’s removal as the 15th Emir of Kano.
“Our argument was not about the powers of the State Assembly to enact or repeal laws. It was about the lack of fair hearing given to the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, during the process. The Assembly did not follow proper procedures,” he stated.
DanAgundi also criticized Sanusi for continuing to claim victory and accused him of parading himself as the Emir of Kano, despite the Appeal Court’s decision.
Call for Restraint and Allegations Against Sanusi
The former Emir’s actions, DanAgundi warned, could potentially disrupt the peace in Kano. He called on the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to monitor Sanusi’s movements, accusing him of mobilizing supporters and creating tension in the state.
He further emphasized that Sanusi cannot claim any form of legal victory until the Supreme Court delivers its judgment. “The position of Muhammadu Sanusi II that he emerged victorious is wrong. The Appeal Court did not grant that assertion but highlighted issues of fair hearing regarding Bayero,” he said.
A Battle for Kano’s Throne
The legal tussle over the Kano emirate continues to stir political and cultural tensions. The Appeal Court’s decision marked a critical juncture, rejecting attempts by the Attorney General and Speaker of the Kano State Assembly to prevent Bayero from acting as Emir. For now, Bayero remains resolute, asserting that the court’s ruling affirmed his position while preparing to take the final battle to the Supreme Court.
