Kano govt reacts to Appeal Court ruling on Emirship tussle

The Kano State Government has reaffirmed the validity of the Court of Appeal’s earlier ruling on the Kano emirship dispute, insisting that the judgment delivered on January 10, 2025, remains in effect and has not been overturned.

In a statement issued by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Isa Dederi, alongside the Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ibrahim Wayya, the government clarified that the appellate court’s recent decision to grant a stay of execution does not nullify its previous ruling.

The initial judgment upheld the repeal of the Kano Emirate Council Law, 2019, effectively dissolving the additional emirates created under the law and validating the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.

The government explained that the stay of execution was a routine judicial process following an appeal filed at the Supreme Court by Alhaji Aminu Baba Dan’Agundi, a key figure loyal to the deposed 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero.

It said the stay of execution simply maintained the status quo until the Supreme Court delivers a final verdict.

“For the avoidance of doubt,the Court of Appeal that entertained the application of Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’agundi did not set aside the judgement the same court delivered on the 10th of January,2025.

“That judgement is still valid and subsisting, until the determination of the appeal before the Supreme Court of Nigeria,”it said.

It expressed concern over what it called misleading reports and sensational headlines over the ruling,and urged the general public to “disregard the false narratives intended to create discord.

“We call on those involved in these negative and destructive misrepresentations to desist from interfering in judicial processes. The judiciary is a sacred institution that must be respected to preserve peace and order,” the government said.

It reassured the residents of the state of its commitment to due process and legal measures, adding that its legal team is reviewing the latest court ruling to determine the next course of action.

He urged the public to remain law-abiding and avoid provocation, assuring them of the government’s dedication to maintaining peace and stability in the state.