Kano State High Court Directs Police to Enforce Ruling
In a significant development, the Kano State High Court, presided over by Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu, has ordered the eviction of the deposed Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, from the palace he currently occupies along State Road in the Nasarawa area. The court’s directive, issued on Monday, also includes an interim injunction preventing Bayero and four other dethroned emirs from parading themselves as emirs until a motion on notice is heard and determined.
Government Seeks Federal Intervention
During a press conference on Monday, Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam appealed to President Bola Tinubu to relocate the deposed 15th Emir of Kano from the state, citing concerns that Bayero’s presence poses a threat to Kano’s peace and stability. The state’s appeal followed the repeal of the Kano Emirates Council Law by the State House of Assembly, which had divided Kano into five emirates. Governor Abba Yusuf promptly signed the new law and dismissed the five emirs, including Aminu Ado Bayero.
Legal and Political Turmoil
This decision comes amid a backdrop of legal and political maneuvering. The 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, was previously dethroned by Abdullahi Ganduje’s administration. Following the repeal of the law, Governor Yusuf reinstated Sanusi, sparking controversy and legal battles. On Friday, Justice Mohammed Liman of the Federal High Court granted an order stopping the enforcement of the Kano State Emirate Council Repeal Law, which had led to the dismissal of the five emirs. However, the state government ignored this order, proceeding with Sanusi’s reinstatement.
Enforcement of Court Orders
In response to an ex parte application by counsel to the applicants, Ibrahim Isa Wangida, the state high court issued orders restraining the deposed emirs from parading as emirs and directing the Commissioner of Police in Kano State to evict Bayero from the palace. The court’s document, dated May 27, 2024, stipulates immediate enforcement of the eviction order.
Scheduled Hearing and Government’s Plea
Justice Aliyu has scheduled the hearing of the motion on notice for June 11, 2024. Meanwhile, Deputy Governor Gwarzo reiterated the state’s plea for President Tinubu’s intervention to prevent potential chaos. Gwarzo emphasized the state’s commitment to peace and stability, noting that Sanusi’s reinstatement had been met with public jubilation and followed legal procedures.
Government’s Response to Protests
The state government also addressed reports of protests in support of Bayero. Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Baba Dantiye, downplayed the protests, attributing them to a small group of miscreants hired to destabilize the state. Dantiye assured that the decision to reinstate Sanusi and abrogate the emirates was made in the state’s best interest and had widespread public support.
Political Manipulations and Media Narratives
Dantiye further accused certain political actors of exploiting the situation to incite unrest, using the media to propagate false narratives. He urged the public to understand the long-term benefits of a unified emirate structure and to support the state government’s decisions aimed at maintaining peace and stability in Kano.
The unfolding events in Kano underscore the complex interplay of legal rulings, political actions, and public reactions as the state navigates its emirate crisis.
