Kehinde Fajobi
The ancient city of Kano erupted in jubilation on Friday as the Court of Appeal ruled in favor of Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 16th Emir of Kano, in a landmark legal tussle over the emirship stool.
In a judgment delivered in Abuja, the appellate court affirmed Sanusi’s reinstatement as Emir, bringing an end to a contentious dispute that had sparked division within the Kano Emirate and the state at large.
Following the announcement, crowds of jubilant supporters, including youths and elders, flooded the streets of Kano. They celebrated with drums, dances, and festive processions, expressing joy at the outcome of the prolonged battle.
The legal saga began in May 2024 when Governor Abba Yusuf dissolved all emirates and dethroned Aminu Ado Bayero, the 15th Emir of Kano, while he was away from the palace. This move paved the way for Sanusi’s reinstatement and his immediate relocation to the historic Kofar-Kudu palace, solidifying his return to the throne.
However, upon Bayero’s return to the state, he was assigned the Nassarawa mini-palace, where he currently presides over his court in a symbolic yet contested position.
The court’s verdict has been hailed by many as a victory for justice and tradition, restoring stability to the revered Kano Emirate.
The ruling is expected to settle tensions surrounding the emirship, offering a path forward for the state’s cultural and traditional leadership.