Court Slams Kano High Court Ruling, Orders Fresh Hearing in Ado-Bayero Case

Court Slams Kano High Court Ruling, Orders Fresh Hearing in Ado-Bayero Case

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned a Kano State High Court injunction, breathing new life into Aminu Ado-Bayero’s contested claim to the Kano throne. The ruling, delivered on Friday by a three-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Mustapha, described the lower court’s decision as flawed and a breach of fair hearing principles.

This decision allows Aminu Ado-Bayero, the 15th Emir of Kano, and four other dethroned emirs—Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye—to continue parading themselves as traditional rulers. It also mandates the Kano State Chief Judge to reassign the case to a different judge for a fresh trial.

The appellate court criticised the Kano High Court’s ruling, stating it undermined judicial integrity and fairness. Justice Mustapha said the flaws in the legal process called for immediate intervention, ensuring justice is served without bias.

Friday’s judgment, while significant, is far from resolving the heated dispute that has left the Kano emirate throne embroiled in legal battles.

The Crisis Behind the Throne

The conflict over Kano’s traditional leadership began last year when Governor Abba Yusuf signed a new law reinstating former Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi. This law reversed the creation of four new emirates—Gaya, Karaye, Rano, and Bichi—by the previous administration of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

Under the revised law, Governor Yusuf dissolved the councils of the four emirates and merged them into a single Kano emirate, as it originally existed. The move dethroned the emirs of the four emirates, including Aminu Ado-Bayero, who had replaced Mr. Sanusi after his controversial removal in March 2020.

The dethronements sparked a legal tug-of-war, with courts issuing conflicting rulings. Friday’s ruling by the Court of Appeal marks the latest chapter in this protracted battle, underscoring the challenges in achieving a definitive resolution.

Legal Experts Weigh In

Legal practitioners have described the case as a test of Nigeria’s judicial fairness. “This is a pivotal moment for our legal system. The Court of Appeal’s decision reaffirms the need for impartiality in judicial rulings,” said Barrister Musa Haruna, a constitutional lawyer.

The ruling has also drawn public interest, with Kano residents closely watching the unfolding drama. Many see the emirate as a symbol of their cultural heritage, making the leadership struggle deeply personal.

A Tradition Steeped in Controversy

The Kano throne, one of Nigeria’s most influential traditional institutions, has a long history of political and legal disputes. The latest crisis adds to a legacy of upheavals that date back decades, with claims and counterclaims often tied to broader political manoeuvres.

Observers say resolving the current crisis will require not just legal clarity but also political will. The Court of Appeal’s directive for a fresh hearing offers a chance to address lingering grievances, but it also prolongs the uncertainty.

What’s Next?

For now, the case returns to the Kano High Court, where a new judge will take charge. Whether this leads to a fair resolution remains to be seen, as both sides prepare for another round of legal battles.

Friday’s ruling, while a step forward, highlights the complexities of Nigeria’s traditional and judicial systems. The people of Kano—and the nation—await a resolution that respects both the rule of law and the cultural significance of the emirate.