Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has summoned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, and the Chief Judge of Kano over conflicting injunctions regarding the Kano Emirate crisis.
Two courts in Kano have issued conflicting interim injunctions on the Kano Emirate tussle.
Justice S. A. Amobeda of the Federal High Court in Kano on Tuesday ordered the eviction of the reinstated emir, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II from Gidan Rumfa palace.
Sanusi and Aminu Ado Bayero are locked in a battle for the royal stool. The tussle has sparked protests from their respective supporters in Kano.
Sanusi was reinstated by Governor Abba Yusuf at a ceremony in the Government House, following the repeal of the law used by the former governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to depose and exile him in 2020.
However, a Federal High Court in Kano issued an order on May 23 prohibiting the state government from enforcing the Emirate Council Repeal Law 2024, which facilitated Sanusi’s reinstatement and Bayero’s dethronement.
When Bayero returned to Kano and moved into Nassarawa Palace, Governor Yusuf ordered his arrest, citing concerns about creating tension in the state.
This prompted the deployment of soldiers to the Nassarawa Palace. On Monday, a Kano State High Court restrained Bayero from presenting himself as the Emir of Kano and ordered his eviction from Nassarawa Palace.
Justice Aisha Adamu Aliyu, the presiding judge, also restrained the dethroned emirs of the disbanded emirates from assuming royal roles in Kano.
Court orders Sanusi’s eviction
The Federal High Court sitting in Kano on Tuesday ordered the eviction of Sanusi from the palace.
The court also ordered the police to ensure all rights and privileges due to the 15th Fulani Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero be given to him.
The Presiding Judge, Justice S. A. Amobeda who gave the exparte order on Tuesday stated that the order is made in the interest of justice and maintenance of peace in Kano State.
In his summons on Wednesday, Justice Ariwoola emphasised the importance of judicial coordination and the necessity for the judiciary to present a unified front, particularly in cases of substantial public interest.
“The upcoming meeting with the chief judges aims to clarify jurisdictional boundaries and prevent future occurrences of conflicting judicial orders. The situation in Kano has garnered national attention, with many stakeholders calling for a swift resolution following the state government’s decision to sack Emir Ado Bayero and reinstate Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II,” he said.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
