Kano Emirate Dispute: Former Attorney General Insists Bayero Remains Legitimate Emir

The former Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice in Kano State, M.A. Lawan, has clarified the implications of the recent Court of Appeal judgment concerning the Kano Emirate dispute, asserting that Aminu Ado Bayero remains the legitimate Emir of Kano.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Lawan refuted claims by the Kano State government that the Court of Appeal validated its actions regarding the disputed Emirate Council Law of 2024.

He explained that the appellate court delivered two distinct judgments on the matter, which have been misconstrued.

“One judgment overturned the Federal High Court’s ruling on jurisdiction in a suit filed by a kingmaker, Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan Agundi. The other judgment set aside the Kano State High Court ruling that nullified Bayero’s position and other emirates,” Lawan clarified.

According to Lawan, the appellate court’s decision effectively reinstates Bayero as the legitimate Emir while questioning the purported attempt to enthrone Muhammadu Sanusi II as his successor.

“The implications of this judgment of the Court of Appeal is that the continuous occupation of the throne by His Highness Aminu Ado Bayero remains legitimate while the purported attempted enthronement of Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II still remains questionable,” he asserted.

Naijaonpoint reports that Lawan also noted that a separate fundamental rights enforcement case filed by Bayero, in which he was awarded ₦10 million by Justice Amobeda of the Federal High Court, remains valid and unaddressed by the appellate court.

“The judgment awarding N10 million to His Highness Aminu Ado Bayero against the Kano State Government remains valid as the Court of Appeal did not make any pronouncement on it. The appeal is still pending,” he explained.

The former attorney general cautioned the Kano State government against misleading the public about the judgment. He also urged Muhammadu Sanusi II to refrain from presenting himself as the incumbent Emir of Kano, emphasizing that no court has affirmed his legitimacy in the role.

“Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II should be cautious of parading himself as the Emir of Kano because no court has affirmed his legitimacy as the incumbent Emir,” Lawan stated.

Lawan concluded by calling on Kano residents to support all five emirates—Kano, Bichi, Gaya, Rano, and Karaye—while commending the judiciary for upholding justice and fairness.

“I call on the good people of Kano State to continue to give the necessary support to all the five emirates of Kano, Bichi, Gaya, Rano, and Karaye,” he said.

This clarification comes amid heightened tension and legal wrangling over the leadership of the Kano Emirate, following the enactment of the 2024 Emirate Council Law and subsequent reforms.