Court Halts Sanusi’s Reinstatement as Kano Emir | A Deepening Legal and Political Saga

 

In a dramatic turn of events, the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano has been suspended by a court ruling, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing emirship tussle in Kano State, Nigeria. As of March 15, 2025, this development has reignited debates about the intersection of traditional authority, legal jurisdiction, and political power in one of Nigeria’s most influential states. This article explores the details of the court’s decision, the background of the emirship dispute, and its broader implications for Kano State and beyond.

Details of the Court Ruling

Reports indicate that the Court of Appeal in Abuja, on March 14, 2025, issued an injunction halting the enforcement of a prior judgment that had upheld the Kano State Government’s repeal of the 2019 Emirate Council Law. This earlier judgment, delivered on January 10, 2025, had vacated a Federal High Court order from June 20, 2024, which nullified Sanusi’s reinstatement. The Court of Appeal’s latest ruling, led by a three-member panel under Justice Okon Abang, effectively suspends Sanusi’s reinstatement pending the determination of an appeal before the Supreme Court.

The injunction stems from two suits (CA/KN/27M/2025 and CA/KN/28M/2025) filed by Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan Agundi, a prominent kingmaker and the Sarkin Dawaki Babba of the Kano Emirate. The court’s decision mandates maintaining the "status quo ante bellum," meaning the state of affairs before the Federal High Court’s June 2024 ruling, until the Supreme Court delivers its final verdict. This ruling underscores the ongoing legal battle over the legitimacy of Sanusi’s reinstatement and the dissolution of the five emirates created under the 2019 law.

Background of the Emirship Dispute

The emirship tussle in Kano State has been a contentious issue since 2020, when Sanusi was dethroned as the 14th Emir of Kano by then-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. The dethronement followed the passage of the Kano State Emirs (Appointment and Deposition) Law of 2019, which fragmented the historic Kano Emirate into five separate emirates: Kano, Rano, Karaye, Gaya, and Bichi. Sanusi’s removal was widely seen as politically motivated, stemming from his outspoken criticism of Ganduje’s administration. Aminu Ado Bayero was subsequently appointed as the 15th Emir of Kano.

In May 2024, the political landscape shifted with the election of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, an ally of Sanusi and a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). On May 23, 2024, the Kano State House of Assembly passed the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024, dissolving the five emirates and reinstating Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano. Governor Yusuf signed the bill into law and formally reappointed Sanusi, who returned to the palace on May 24, 2024. However, this move triggered legal challenges from Bayero’s supporters and traditional titleholders affected by the repeal, including Dan Agundi.

The Federal High Court in Kano, presided over by Justice Mohammed Liman, initially intervened on May 23, 2024, issuing an ex-parte order to maintain the status quo and halt the enforcement of the repeal law. On June 20, 2024, the court nullified Sanusi’s reinstatement, arguing that the process violated legal procedures. This decision was overturned by the Court of Appeal on January 10, 2025, which ruled that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction over chieftaincy matters, a domain reserved for state high courts. The latest Court of Appeal ruling on March 14, 2025, however, suspends this earlier decision, prolonging the legal uncertainty.

Legal and Political Implications

The suspension of Sanusi’s reinstatement has significant implications:

1. Jurisdictional Debate: The Court of Appeal’s ruling reinforces the argument that chieftaincy disputes fall under the jurisdiction of state high courts, not federal courts. This jurisdictional question has been a recurring theme in the legal proceedings, with the appellate court previously criticizing the Federal High Court’s overreach. The Supreme Court’s forthcoming decision will likely set a precedent for future traditional title disputes in Nigeria.
2. Political Power Play: The emirship tussle is deeply intertwined with political rivalries in Kano State. Sanusi’s reinstatement is supported by Governor Yusuf and the NNPP, while Bayero’s faction enjoys backing from elements within the All Progressives Congress (APC), including Ganduje, who is now the APC National Chairman. The court’s suspension of Sanusi’s reinstatement is seen by some as a victory for the APC-aligned faction, though the final outcome remains uncertain.
3. Traditional Authority: The dispute challenges the balance between traditional institutions and modern governance. The dissolution and reinstatement of emirates reflect broader tensions over the role of emirs in contemporary Nigeria, where traditional rulers wield significant cultural influence but lack formal political power.
4. Public Sentiment: Posts on X and public reactions indicate a divided populace. Supporters of Sanusi celebrate his intellectual credentials and reformist stance, while Bayero’s advocates emphasize tradition and stability. The legal back-and-forth has fueled frustration among some Kano residents, who view it as a distraction from pressing economic and social issues.

Broader Context in Kano State

The emirship dispute coincides with other political tensions in Kano State. The reinstatement of Sanusi has been a flagship policy of Governor Yusuf’s administration, which seeks to reverse many of Ganduje’s legacies. However, the legal challenges and political opposition have hampered these efforts, creating a governance impasse. The Supreme Court’s pending decision will be pivotal, not only for the emirship but also for the broader political dynamics in the state.

Additionally, the Kano Emirate’s historical significance amplifies the stakes. As one of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious traditional institutions, dating back centuries, the emirate holds immense cultural and religious importance in northern Nigeria. The outcome of this dispute could influence perceptions of traditional leadership across the region.

What Happens Next?

The suspension of Sanusi’s reinstatement leaves the emirship in a state of limbo. The "status quo ante bellum" directive implies a return to the conditions before the Federal High Court’s June 2024 ruling, potentially recognizing Bayero as the legitimate emir until the Supreme Court rules. However, practical enforcement remains unclear, as Sanusi currently occupies the palace, and Bayero has been residing in a separate location under security protection.

The Supreme Court’s decision will be the final arbiter, determining whether the 2024 repeal law and Sanusi’s reinstatement are legally valid. Until then, the Court of Appeal’s injunction restrains security agencies and the Kano State Government from enforcing the January 10 judgment, maintaining a tense standoff between the rival factions.

Conclusion

The suspension of Muhammadu Sanusi II’s reinstatement as the Emir of Kano by the Court of Appeal on March 14, 2025, marks another chapter in a protracted legal and political saga. This ruling underscores the complexities of balancing traditional authority with modern governance, as well as the deep-seated rivalries shaping Kano State’s political landscape. As the case awaits resolution at the Supreme Court, the people of Kano and observers across Nigeria watch closely, aware that the outcome will have far-reaching implications for the state’s cultural heritage, political stability, and judicial precedent. For now, the emirship remains a contested throne, emblematic of broader struggles over power and identity in Nigeria.