The 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero, has finalized plans to file an appeal at the Supreme Court against the recent ruling of the Court of Appeal concerning the Kano Emirship dispute.
In a statement, Aminu Dan Agundi, speaking on behalf of Emir Bayero, accused the Kano State government of misrepresenting the Court of Appeal’s decision, insisting that Bayero remains the Emir until all legal proceedings are concluded.
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“The ruling instructed that the case be reassigned by the Kano Chief Judge to another state High Court for adjudication. No one can claim victory yet, as we have already directed our lawyers to appeal the ruling at the Supreme Court,” Dan Agundi stated.
Dispute over Kano government’s interpretation
The controversy surrounding the ruling has drawn reactions from legal and political circles. Barrister Shuaibu Balarabe Nasidi, a Kano-based lawyer, criticized the stance of the Kano State Attorney General, Musa Dederi, accusing him of deliberately misinterpreting the Court of Appeal’s verdict.
“It is mischievous and intentional. The Attorney General’s briefing does not reflect the appellate court’s clear decision to set aside the Kano State High Court’s judgment,” Nasidi remarked. He further alleged that Dederi’s actions were aimed at appeasing the state government and embattled former Emir Muhammadu Sanusi.
Coalition raises concerns
The Coalition for Justice and Rule of Law also expressed reservations over the government’s interpretation of the ruling. In a statement by its convener, Dr. Bashir Danmalam, the group argued that the Court of Appeal neither validated the disputed Emirate Council Law of 2024 nor upheld the state government’s chieftaincy appointments and traditional reforms.
“Independent minds understand that the Court of Appeal delivered two rulings—one overturning the Federal High Court’s decision on jurisdiction and the other setting aside the entire judgment of the Kano State High Court,” Danmalam emphasized.