Court Stops Sanusi’s Reinstatement – What’s Next?

The battle over the Kano Emirate has taken another twist as the Court of Appeal in Abuja has put a hold on the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano. 

This decision, delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice Okon Abang, means that for now, Sanusi’s return to the throne remains uncertain.

The court’s rulingThe court granted a stay of execution on its earlier judgment, which had upheld the Kano State government’s decision to repeal the 2019 Emirates Council Law. This law was at the center of the emirate’s restructuring, which saw the creation of five additional emirates and led to Sanusi’s removal in 2020.

The ruling effectively freezes the situation, preventing any further actions until the Supreme Court delivers its final verdict. Justice Abang emphasized that the court must act in the interest of justice and ensure that Sanusi’s legal rights, stemming from his previous tenure as Emir, are protected.

What Led to This Decision?The legal battle has been ongoing since the Kano State government dissolved the five newly created emirates and reinstated Sanusi as Emir. However, Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan Agundi, a prominent Kano traditional figure, challenged this move in court, arguing that the process was not legally sound. 

He filed an application seeking to halt Sanusi’s reinstatement until the Supreme Court rules on the case.

What happens now?With this latest ruling, Sanusi remains in limbo. The case will now move to the Supreme Court, which will have the final say on whether the Kano government acted lawfully in reinstating him.

Until then, all parties involved must maintain the status quo, meaning there will be no official reinstatement or further restructuring of the Kano Emirate.

For now, the wait continues as Kano’s royal dispute heads toward its ultimate legal showdown. Will Sanusi reclaim his throne, or will the Supreme Court uphold his removal? The final decision is yet to come.