The Kano State Government has issued a clarifying statement regarding the recent Court of Appeal judgment in the ongoing emirship dispute, which has sparked widespread speculation and confusion in the media. This clarification was made during a press briefing on Saturday, held at the NUJ Secretariat in Kano, by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Dederi. The briefing sought to address misconceptions and offer clarity on the legal proceedings surrounding the case.
The controversy began with the Kano Emirate Council Law of 2019, which was enacted by the state government under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. The law created new emirates within Kano State, effectively reducing the powers of the Emir of Kano, a move that generated significant opposition, especially from key figures within the traditional institution. This led to a legal battle over the legitimacy of the law and its implications for the emirship.
On January 10, 2025, the Court of Appeal issued a landmark judgment in favor of the repeal of the Kano Emirate Council Law, 2019, thereby overturning the decision of the Federal High Court in Kano. The ruling has since been a subject of intense media attention, with many misinterpreting the decision and speculating on its implications.
Addressing the press on Saturday, Attorney General Haruna Dederi provided crucial details regarding the recent Court of Appeal ruling. He explained that while the judgment did uphold the repeal of the Kano Emirate Council Law, it also had significant legal ramifications, including the fact that the ruling had been appealed by Alhaji Aminu Dan’agundi, who is dissatisfied with the outcome.
Alhaji Aminu Dan’agundi, a prominent figure in the emirship dispute, has since filed an appeal before the Supreme Court of Nigeria, seeking to challenge the decision of the Court of Appeal. As the case moves to the highest court in the land, Dederi emphasized that the judgment of the Court of Appeal remains valid and binding unless overturned by the Supreme Court.
“The Court of Appeal judgment is the prevailing legal decision until the Supreme Court rules otherwise,” Dederi stated, assuring the public that the situation is still in the process of legal review.
He further explained that the Court of Appeal had granted a stay of execution, which is a standard legal procedure in cases of this nature. The stay of execution effectively maintains the status quo until the Supreme Court makes its final determination on the matter.
Dederi also reassured the public that the Kano State Government remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the legal processes are respected. He urged the people of Kano to remain calm and law-abiding during this period of legal uncertainty and to avoid any provocative actions that might escalate the situation.
“The Kano State Government urges the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and avoid any form of provocation,” Dederi said, emphasizing the need for peace while the legal process continues.
In light of the stay of execution, the Attorney General made it clear that the government’s legal team is closely monitoring the developments in the case and will take the necessary steps in accordance with the law, depending on the outcome of the Supreme Court’s ruling.
The emirship dispute has deeply divided the people of Kano State, with strong emotions and opinions surrounding the issue. The creation of new emirates by the Kano State Government was seen by some as an attempt to weaken the influence of the Emir of Kano, while others viewed it as a necessary measure for decentralizing power and improving governance.
The Court of Appeal’s decision to uphold the repeal of the Kano Emirate Council Law has therefore stirred political tension, with various stakeholders in the state taking sides. Some believe that the legal decision marks a victory for traditional authority, while others see it as an attack on the reforms brought by the Ganduje administration.
Alhaji Aminu Dan’agundi, a key player in the legal battle, has been at the forefront of challenging the law. His appeal to the Supreme Court signifies his determination to see the reversal of the judgment, and the legal team representing him will likely push for a comprehensive resolution on the matter. The legal outcomes of this dispute could have lasting implications on the future structure of the Kano Emirate, as well as on the political landscape of the state.
Despite the ongoing legal dispute, the Kano State Government has expressed its gratitude to the citizens for their patience and understanding throughout the process. Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s administration has continually urged the people to prioritize peace and unity, especially as the state navigates this period of legal contention.
“The government has also instructed its legal team to study the outcome of the proceedings and determine the next steps in line with the law,” the statement from the government read. Dederi also expressed appreciation to the people of Kano for their prayers and continued support for the state’s development and progress.
Governor Ganduje’s administration has consistently stressed the importance of peace and stability, particularly in the face of political challenges. While the emirship dispute remains unresolved, the state government is keen on ensuring that all legal avenues are explored and that the final judgment upholds the principles of justice and fairness.
As the case now heads to the Supreme Court, all eyes will be on the nation’s highest court to determine the final outcome of the emirship dispute. The ruling of the Supreme Court will likely set a precedent for similar cases in the future, especially regarding the autonomy of traditional institutions in Nigeria.
Legal experts have pointed out that the outcome of this case could have far-reaching consequences for the role of traditional rulers in Nigeria, especially in states where the emirate system plays a crucial role in governance and social structure.
The Kano State Government’s focus, for now, is on ensuring that the legal process is followed through with the utmost respect for the law. Governor Ganduje has previously reiterated his administration’s commitment to peaceful resolution, and the government remains optimistic that the legal system will provide a fair and just conclusion to the dispute.
