The Supreme Court is set to deliver a landmark judgment in the long-running dispute over the leadership and structure of the Kano Emirate, a case that has drawn intense political, legal and traditional interest across the country.
The apex court’s ruling is expected to address a series of appeals arising from the controversial restructuring of the historic emirate and the subsequent reinstatement and recognition of traditional rulers in the state.
The dispute dates back to the administration of former Kano State governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who in 2019 approved a law that split the centuries-old Kano Emirate into five separate emirates – Kano, Bichi, Ƙaraye, Rano and Gaya. The move led to the appointment of new emirs for the newly created emirates, a development widely viewed as politically contentious.
The restructuring also preceded the dethronement of the then Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, in March 2020 by the Ganduje administration, citing allegations of insubordination. Sanusi was subsequently replaced by Aminu Ado Bayero, who was appointed as the new Emir of Kano.
However, the issue took a dramatic turn in 2024 after the election of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, whose administration repealed the emirate council law that created the additional emirates. The repeal effectively restored the Kano Emirate to its former structure and paved the way for the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano. The decision triggered a fresh legal battle as opposing parties approached the courts to challenge the legality of the dissolution of the newly created emirates and the reinstatement of Sanusi.
Several court rulings and appeals followed at both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, with conflicting interpretations on the authority of the Kano State government over traditional institutions and the validity of the legislative changes.
