The High Court of Kano has ruled in favor of the Kano State House of Assembly, affirming its legislative powers to dethrone emirs, including Aminu Ado-Bayero and four others. This judgment followed a motion ex-parte filed on May 27 by Ibrahim Isah-Wangida Esq., counsel for the Attorney General of Kano State, the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, and the Kano State House of Assembly.
Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu, delivering the judgment, stated, “The Kano State House of Assembly has the power to amend and propose a bill for the peace and good governance of the state pursuant to section 4 rule 6,7(b) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.” She emphasized that the state governor has the authority to assent to such bills, thereby enacting them into law.
The court ordered Emir Ado-Bayero and the other dethroned emirs to cease presenting themselves as emirs and to surrender all properties belonging to the Kano State Emirate Council to the state government.
Justice Adamu-Aliyu also criticized the police and other security agencies for their conduct, stating, “The act of the 6th to 9th respondents for smuggling the first respondent to Kano after the enactment of the Emirate Repeal Law 2024 shows a disregard for what they have sworn to protect – the protection of life and property.”
Counsel for the applicants, Ibrahim Isa-Wangida, urged the court to reject the respondents’ affidavit of facts. Meanwhile, Abdul Muhammed (SAN), counsel for Emir Ado-Bayero, informed the court of their intention to appeal the decision and requested a stay of proceedings.
This ruling sets a significant precedent for the enforcement of legislative and executive actions in the governance of emirates in Kano State.
