By Juliet Aliwo.
The Court of Appeal in Kano has overturned a previous ruling that nullified the appointment of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano. The initial order, issued on June 20 by Justice Abubakar Liman of the Federal High Court, was set aside by a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, which convened in Abuja.
The appellate court determined that Justice Liman’s decision lacked jurisdiction and was based on a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan Agundi, an aggrieved kingmaker. The court found this suit, which led to the June 20 order, to be invalid, emphasizing that the Federal High Court did not have the authority to preside over the case.
This judgment was delivered in response to an appeal filed by the Kano State House of Assembly and its Speaker against Agundi and others, under the case marked CA/KN/140/2024.
The controversy stems from the enactment of the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024 by the Kano State House of Assembly, which was signed into law by the governor on May 23 of the previous year. This law led to the removal of Aminu Ado Bayero as Emir, the reinstatement of Mohammed Sanusi, and the reversal of the creation of five new Emirates established by former Governor Umar Ganduje’s administration.
Justice Liman’s earlier ruling had declared these actions void, citing a violation of his prior order from May 23, 2024, which directed all parties involved in Agundi’s suit to maintain the status quo.
This appellate court decision has been met with celebration in Kano, as it reinforces Sanusi’s position as Emir and supports the actions taken under the new Emirate Council Law. Further details on the ruling and its implications are expected to follow.
