The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has taken steps to address the ongoing Kano Emirate crisis by summoning the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and the Chief Judge of Kano State High Court. This move comes after two courts in Kano State issued conflicting interim injunctions regarding the Emirate.
On Tuesday, Justice S. A. Amobeda of the Federal High Court in Kano ordered the eviction of the reinstated emir, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, from Gidan Rumfa palace. However, Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu of Kano State High Court issued a separate order, restraining the police, the State Security Services (SSS), and the Nigerian Army from evicting, harassing, or arresting Sanusi.
The conflicting orders have added to the tension in the state, where Sanusi and Aminu Ado Bayero are locked in a battle for the royal stool. The crisis has sparked protests from their respective supporters in Kano.
The CJN’s intervention aims to resolve the conflicting orders and ensure a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The summoning of the judges is seen as a move to address the issue and prevent further escalation of the situation.
The Kano Emirate crisis began when Sanusi was reinstated by Governor Abba Yusuf, 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.
The situation has been volatile, with both sides refusing to back down. The deployment of soldiers to the Nassarawa Palace has added to the tension, and the conflicting court orders have only made matters worse.
The CJN’s intervention is seen as a welcome move to address the crisis and ensure a peaceful resolution. The outcome of the summoning of the judges is eagerly awaited, as it will determine the next steps in the Kano Emirate crisis.