In a bold declaration at the 21st Memorial Lecture of Chief Gani Fawehinmi held in Lagos on Wednesday, renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, threw his weight behind the embattled Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, amid ongoing legal battles over the controversial appointment. Falana insisted that only one Emir should reign in Kano, emphatically stating that the legal disputes surrounding the issue should be brought to an end, with Sanusi’s victory at the Court of Appeal as the final word.
Sanusi, who was dethroned in 2020 by the Kano State Government, recently emerged victorious in his legal fight against the government’s decision. A three-member panel of justices at the Court of Appeal ruled last Friday that the nullification of Sanusi’s appointment was carried out without the proper legal authority. The court ordered the matter to be referred to the Kano State High Court, recognizing that it was a chieftaincy issue and not one for the Federal High Court to decide.
In his speech at the memorial lecture, Falana acknowledged the court’s ruling and extended his congratulations to the Emir. “Your Majesty, we want to congratulate you for your victory in the Court of Appeal,” he said, addressing Sanusi directly. “The legal battle has been intense, but the law is clear. There cannot be two Emirs in Kano. The Court has ruled in your favor, and now it’s time for everyone to accept that you have come to stay.”
While some members of the Kano ruling elite and political figures continue to challenge the ruling, including Aminu Babba Danagundi, the principal plaintiff in the dispute, Falana warned that such opposition was not only legally baseless but also disruptive. He noted that there were attempts to bring the matter before the Supreme Court, but he firmly stated that the case should be put to rest once and for all.
“The law has already been settled,” Falana continued, speaking at the event. “The NBA must step in and call some of our colleagues to order. The traditional institution is not a matter of fundamental rights. It is clear that the Federal High Court has no jurisdiction in chieftaincy matters. It’s high time that we put an end to this confusion.”
This legal victory for Emir Sanusi follows a long-standing dispute between two factions of the Kano Emirate. The state government, under Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, had removed Sanusi from office in March 2020, citing insubordination and other issues. In the wake of his ousting, a new Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, was appointed, and the two Emirs have since operated in a state of rivalry. The political and cultural significance of the Emir of Kano has made this dispute one of the most high-profile in the country, with legal, social, and political implications that reach far beyond the borders of the state.
However, despite the legal setback for the state government, some of Sanusi’s opponents, including Danagundi, have vowed to continue their fight. Speaking to reporters, Danagundi, who is a strong supporter of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, expressed his dissatisfaction with the Court of Appeal’s ruling and hinted at a prolonged battle. “This is not over,” he declared. “The battle lines have been drawn, and we are prepared to take this to the Supreme Court if necessary. We’ll fight for the future of Kano’s Emirate, even if it takes us 20 years.”
The clash between Sanusi and Bayero, both of whom come from powerful political families, has captivated the attention of both locals and national observers. The conflict over the Emirship of Kano has become a symbol of the power struggles between the political establishment and the traditional institutions that hold significant sway in the northern part of Nigeria.
However, Falana, a seasoned activist and advocate for the rule of law, insisted that such political maneuvering should not cloud the legal truth. “The rule of law must prevail,” he argued. “We cannot allow the political interests of a few to subvert the legal process. The court has ruled, and the legal system has spoken. It is time for peace to return to Kano.”
Falana’s comments are significant, not only because of his standing in the legal community but also because they underline the broader importance of maintaining the integrity of judicial processes in the face of political challenges. His statement is a clear call for the legal system to be respected, regardless of the political forces at play.
Meanwhile, in Kano, the political dynamics surrounding the Emir’s seat remain as tense as ever. Governor Ganduje has made no indication that he plans to accept the decision of the Court of Appeal without further resistance. His administration has long been at odds with Sanusi, who was seen by many as an outspoken critic of the government, particularly in relation to economic policies and anti-corruption efforts.
Observers believe that the situation may escalate further, as the state’s leadership and traditional rulers continue to grapple with the implications of Sanusi’s legal victory. There is also speculation that the outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching consequences for the role of traditional rulers across Nigeria.
As Falana concluded his remarks, he made a clarion call to all those involved in the dispute to respect the rule of law and allow the people of Kano to move forward in peace. “The people of Kano deserve stability,” he said. “There must be one Emir, and that Emir is Muhammadu Sanusi II, as confirmed by the courts. The time for confusion is over.”
The Kano Emirship saga, which has spanned nearly five years, continues to unfold, with no clear resolution in sight. What is certain, however, is that the legal battle over who will occupy the revered throne of Kano is far from over, and the ultimate outcome could reshape the traditional and political landscape of northern Nigeria for years to come.
