By Zara Maisango
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned an injunction by the Kano State High Court that barred Aminu Ado-Bayero, the 15th Emir of Kano, and four other dethroned emirs from parading themselves as traditional rulers.
Delivering its judgment on Friday, a three-member panel of justices, led by Mohammed Mustapha, ruled that the earlier decision by the lower court on July 15, 2024, was flawed and violated the principles of fair hearing. The appellate court further directed the Chief Judge of the Kano State High Court to reassign the case to another judge for a fresh hearing.
This ruling comes amid an ongoing legal dispute surrounding the Kano emirate throne, which has been mired in controversy following Governor Abba Yusuf’s recent legislation. The new law dissolved the four additional emirate councils—Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye—and reinstated the previously deposed Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, under a unified Kano emirate council. This development led to the removal of the four emirs and Aminu Ado-Bayero.
The Court of Appeal’s judgment highlights the necessity of adhering to the principles of fair hearing and due process, especially in cases with significant cultural and historical implications.
This decision is expected to influence the ongoing legal tussle over traditional rulership in Kano State.
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