Conflicting court orders as Sanusi, Bayero cling to Kano Emirship

Kano, Nigeria – The Kano Emirate crisis deepened as two courts issued conflicting interim injunctions regarding the position of reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II.

On Tuesday, Justice S. A. Amobeda of the Federal High Court in Kano ordered Sanusi’s eviction from the Gidan Rumfa palace. This order directs the police to ensure that Aminu Ado Bayero, the 15th Fulani Emir of Kano, receives all rights and privileges of the emirate.

Conversely, Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu of the Kano State High Court issued a separate injunction preventing the police, State Security Services (SSS), and the Nigerian Army from evicting, harassing, or arresting Sanusi.

Background of the Conflict

The tussle between Sanusi and Aminu Ado Bayero for the royal stool has escalated tensions in Kano. Sanusi, who was reinstated by Governor Abba Yusuf after being deposed and exiled by former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in 2020, found himself at the center of legal and political battles.

Governor Yusuf’s recent reinstatement of Sanusi sparked protests from supporters of both emirs. Bayero’s return to Kano and his move into Nassarawa Palace led Governor Yusuf to order his arrest, prompting the deployment of soldiers to the palace. A Kano State High Court subsequently restrained Bayero from presenting himself as the Emir of Kano and ordered his eviction from Nassarawa Palace.

Court Orders and Reactions

The Federal High Court’s order to evict Sanusi emphasized maintaining peace and justice in Kano. Justice Amobeda stated, “The order is made in the interest of justice and maintenance of peace in Kano State.”

Meanwhile, the Kano State High Court’s ruling aims to protect Sanusi from eviction and harassment. Justice Aliyu’s injunction restrains security agencies from interfering with Sanusi’s residence and his role as emir.

Political and Public Reactions

The conflicting court orders have led to varied reactions among Kano’s political and social circles. Traders from the Kantin Kwari Market visited Sanusi to show their support, while 12 All Progressives Congress (APC) members of the Kano State House of Assembly pledged their allegiance to Bayero at Nassarawa Palace.

The situation remains fluid, with both emirs receiving support from different factions. The next court hearings, scheduled for early June, are expected to provide further clarity on the legal standing of both Sanusi and Bayero in the ongoing emirate tussle.