The former Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice in Kano State, M.A. Lawan, has reiterated that Aminu Ado Bayero remains the legitimate Emir of Kano despite ongoing disputes and misinterpretations surrounding the recent Court of Appeal rulings.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Lawan clarified the implications of the judgments, dismissing claims by the Kano State government that the appellate court upheld its actions regarding the 2024 Emirate Council Law.
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Lawan explained that the Court of Appeal delivered two distinct judgments, each addressing different aspects of the Emirate dispute.
- The first judgment overturned the Federal High Court’s ruling on jurisdiction in a suit filed by a kingmaker, Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan Agundi.
- The second judgment nullified the Kano State High Court’s decision that invalidated Bayero’s position and the creation of other emirates.
“The implications of these rulings affirm that His Highness Aminu Ado Bayero remains the legitimate Emir of Kano, while the purported attempt to enthrone Muhammadu Sanusi II as his successor is still questionable,” Lawan stated.
Fundamental Rights Case and Pending Appeals
Lawan also highlighted a separate judgment by Justice Amobeda of the Federal High Court, which awarded ₦10 million to Bayero for a fundamental rights enforcement case against the Kano State government.
“This judgment remains valid as the Court of Appeal has not made any pronouncement on it, and the appeal is still pending,” he explained.
Caution Against Misrepresentation
The former attorney general cautioned the Kano State government against misrepresenting the court’s rulings and urged Muhammadu Sanusi II to desist from presenting himself as the incumbent Emir of Kano.
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“Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II should refrain from parading himself as Emir because no court has affirmed his legitimacy in that capacity,” Lawan warned.
Call for Unity and Support
Lawan urged the residents of Kano State to support all five emirates—Kano, Bichi, Gaya, Rano, and Karaye—emphasizing the need for unity and respect for the judiciary’s decisions.
“I commend the judiciary for its dedication to justice and fairness and call on the good people of Kano State to continue supporting all the emirates,” he concluded.
This clarification comes amidst heightened tensions and legal battles over the leadership of the Kano Emirate, stemming from reforms introduced under the 2024 Emirate Council Law.