Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has summoned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and the Chief Judge of Kano in response to conflicting court orders regarding the Kano Emirate crisis.
The tussle between Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II and Aminu Ado Bayero for the Kano Emirate has led to conflicting interim injunctions from two courts in Kano. Recently, Justice S. A. Amobeda of the Federal High Court in Kano ordered the eviction of reinstated Emir Sanusi from Gidan Rumfa palace, while another Federal High Court order prohibited the enforcement of the Emirate Council Repeal Law 2024, which reinstated Sanusi and dethroned Bayero.
The situation has escalated tensions in Kano, with protests from supporters of both emirs. Governor Abba Yusuf had reinstated Sanusi following the repeal of the law used by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to depose and exile him in 2020. Bayero, after returning to Kano, faced an arrest order from Governor Yusuf, leading to military deployment to the Nassarawa Palace.
Justice Aisha Adamu Aliyu of the Kano State High Court further restrained Bayero from presenting himself as the Emir of Kano and ordered his eviction from Nassarawa Palace. In response to these conflicting judicial orders, the CJN emphasized the necessity for judicial coordination and a unified front in cases of significant public interest.
Justice Ariwoola’s summons aims to clarify jurisdictional boundaries and prevent future conflicts, as the nation closely watches for a resolution to the ongoing emirate dispute.