The Appeal Court has declared the 14th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the substantive Emir of Kano.
With this development, the court has brought an end to a long legal battle between the two Emirs who have been running two emirate councils in one town.
The court ruled that Bayero’s case, which sought to challenge Emir Sanusi’s position, lacked substance.
The court further declared that the Federal High Court had no jurisdiction to intervene in matters pertaining to the Kano State Emirate Council law.
It emphasized that the principal reliefs sought by Bayero fell outside the scope of fundamental human rights and were, in fact, related to chieftaincy matters.
Citing Section 251 of the Nigerian Constitution, the court pointed out that the Federal High Court does not have the authority to handle issues related to chieftaincy.
This pivotal ruling is seen as a clear endorsement of the legal framework governing the Kano Emirate and a decisive affirmation of Emir Sanusi’s rightful position.
Earlier, a Kano State High Court had issued a restraining order against Bayero and four other former Emirs, preventing them from laying claim to the Emirship title.
With the Appeal Court’s ruling, the matter has been definitively settled in favor of Emir Sanusi, further solidifying his leadership and authority.
The ruling has been hailed by Emir Sanusi’s supporters, with celebrations erupting across Kano, as many see it as a victory not only for the Emir but also for the integrity of the state’s traditional institutions.
There were jubilations in Kano town and environs as many people took to the streets dancing and blowing their vehicle horns.
