Kano, Nigeria – Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II of Kano has urged the people of Kano State to maintain peace and avoid being swayed by forces that may incite violence, following the recent ruling by the Court of Appeal that upheld his legitimacy as the 16th Emir of Kano.
In a statement delivered on Friday evening, Sanusi addressed the city’s residents, urging them to resist any provocations that could disrupt the tranquility that has prevailed in the region. His remarks came after the Court of Appeal in Abuja overturned a previous judgment by the Federal High Court, which had nullified his reinstatement as Emir.
The Federal High Court had ruled in favor of Aminu Ado Bayero, who had been recognized as the 15th Emir of Kano, in a case filed by Aminu Babba Dan’Agundi. The case, which sought to challenge Sanusi’s removal in 2020, had attracted significant attention across Nigeria, particularly in the northern region.
The Appeal Court’s Ruling
The three-member panel of Justices at the Court of Appeal, presided over by Justice Idris, ruled that the state high court lacked the jurisdiction to rule on matters concerning the emirate, thereby restoring Sanusi’s position. The ruling dismissed the prior judgment as legally flawed, affirming that the state’s traditional leadership issues were outside the purview of the state’s courts.
Sanusi, who was removed from office as Emir by the Kano State Government in 2020 after his outspoken criticism of the administration, had been locked in a prolonged legal battle to reclaim his throne. Despite the setbacks and challenges, the ruling marks a significant victory for the Emir, signaling a closure to a contentious chapter in the political and traditional leadership of Kano.
Emir Sanusi’s Call for Peace
Reacting to the court’s verdict, Sanusi described the judgment as the will of God, emphasizing that no human influence could alter divine decisions. Speaking to his supporters and the people of Kano, he said, “As you all know, the Appeal Court has confirmed today that the State High Court has no jurisdiction over emirate issues. This judgment was expected, and those who initiated the case in court knew this all along.”
Sanusi further criticized those who had sought to destabilize the region for selfish purposes, claiming that the parties behind the initial court action had knowingly misled the judicial system. “Even the judge who issued the initial order was aware of the limits of his jurisdiction. Those who influenced him to make that decision also knew the truth. However, for the past eight months, their aim has been to promote selfish interests and instigate unrest in this part of the country,” he said.
Despite the political tensions surrounding the throne, Sanusi praised the peaceful nature of the state during this period, which had seen minimal violence or unrest despite the legal and political struggles. “Our greatest achievement is that the state has remained peaceful. There has been no violence or disorder. We call on everyone to continue maintaining peace and unity,” he added.
A Divided Kano
The dispute over the Emir’s throne has not been without its share of tensions. Following Sanusi’s removal from office, Aminu Ado Bayero, the son of the late Emir Ado Bayero, was appointed as the 15th Emir of Kano. His installation was met with widespread support, especially from those loyal to the old Kano royal family, while Sanusi’s supporters have remained firm in their belief that he was wrongfully dethroned.
The battle for the throne, while primarily legal, also involves deep cultural and political divisions within the emirate. Many of Sanusi’s supporters view him as a reformist Emir who was targeted for his progressive ideas and outspoken stance against corruption and mismanagement in the state. On the other hand, Bayero’s supporters, including political figures and traditional elites, see his leadership as a continuation of the old order, emphasizing stability and continuity.
With the Appeal Court’s ruling, the legal battle may have reached its conclusion, but the political and social consequences remain uncertain. Sanusi’s call for peace is a clear attempt to prevent any further escalation of tensions, particularly given the charged atmosphere surrounding the throne.
The Emir’s Message: “No Violence, No Retaliation”
In his address, Sanusi made a direct appeal to the people of Kano to avoid engaging in any acts of violence or unrest. “This battle is not ours but God’s. And God does not need anyone’s help. Let us keep praying for His guidance and intervention. May God protect us, and whoever seeks to ignite chaos in Kano, may that fire consume them instead,” he said.
He further stressed that those who sought to harm Kano’s peace would ultimately face the consequences of their actions. “To those who wish harm upon Kano or its peace, may they face the consequences of their own wishes. They may attempt to provoke violence, but let us not respond to their actions,” Sanusi warned.
The Emir’s message resonates with the ongoing efforts by many local leaders and religious groups in Kano to prevent any violent outbursts in the aftermath of the Appeal Court ruling. There are fears that certain elements might attempt to capitalize on the legal ruling to stir unrest in the region.
Political Ramifications of the Ruling
The political implications of the court’s decision are likely to be far-reaching. Kano is one of the most politically significant states in Nigeria, and its traditional leadership holds immense influence over the region’s politics. The Emir’s position is not just symbolic but also intertwined with political dynamics, particularly given the state’s historical importance as a center of Islamic scholarship and political power.
The state government, under Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has been a key player in the events surrounding Sanusi’s dethronement and subsequent legal battle. Ganduje, who has maintained a strong relationship with the Bayero family, will likely face political pressure to manage the situation carefully and avoid further tensions within the state.