Court orders Bayero to stop parading self as Emir

A Kano State High Court has ordered Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero to stop parading himself as the Emir of Kano.

The court presided over by Justice Amina Aliyu, on Monday, also barred four other deposed monarchs from parading themselves as Emirs of Bichi, Rano, Karaye and Gaya.

The court also ordered that the five deposed emirs to return all moveable and immovable properties belonging to Kano state government.

The judge had on July 4 adjourned the matter to rule on application for extension of time, notice of preliminary objection, joinder application and application for the judge to recuse herself.

There has been tension in Kano since Governor Abba Yusuf used the Kano Emirates Council Repeal Law 2024 to dethrone Bayero and four others.

The governor had subsequently reinstated Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano.

Bayero, who was out of town on a visit to the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona in Ogun State, when was dethroned, returned to Kano shortly after under full military protection.

He had moved to the mini palace in Nassarawa with a security cover from officers of the military, the police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), fueling speculations that he enjoys the federal government’s backing.

It was gathered that the state government hurriedly moved Sanusi to the Gidan Rumfa Palace when they got wind of information that Bayero was planning to return there.

The matter has been in and out of the courts as both parties have refused to shift ground.

Counsel to the applicants, Mr Ibrahim Isa-Wangida, had urged the court to discountenance the respondents’ affidavit of facts pursuant to order 39 rule 1 and 2 of the Court.

Counsel to Ado-Bayero, Mr Abdul Muhammed SAN, filed an affidavit of fact dated July 3, 2024 attached with a notice of appeal and a motion of stay of proceedings.

He urged the court to stay proceedings pending the hearing and determination of the motion at the appeal court.

Counsel to the 3rd, 4th and 5th respondents, Hassan Tanko-Kyaure, moved his application for extension of time dated July 2 and counter affidavit in response to the originating motion.

He urged the court to set aside the Kano State Emirates Council (Repeal) law 2024, adding that due process was not followed and urged the court to dismiss the applicant’s application with a cost of N1 billion.

Also Counsel to the IGP, Mr Sunday Ekwe, told the court that they have nothing to present.

The applicants, 3rd, 4th and 5th respondents moved their applications, for extension of time, notice of preliminary objection, setting aside exparte order, joinder application, examining deponent, application for the judge to recuse herself.