15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero’s Legal Team Withdraws from High Court Case
On Thursday, July 4, the legal team representing the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, in the ongoing Kano Emirate tussle, withdrew their services in the case before the State High Court. This development follows the court’s refusal to grant a stay of proceedings in the matter.
The legal battle between Emir Aminu Ado Bayero and Emir Muhammad Sanusi II stems from the amendment of the Kano Emirates Council Law. The dispute has created significant tension regarding the control of the Kano Emirate.
The withdrawal of Bayero’s legal team is seen as a significant challenge for him while potentially benefitting Sanusi II. During a recent hearing, Abdul Muhammed, SAN, counsel to the first respondent, raised concerns about the trial proceeding despite an existing motion of appeal and notice of stay of proceedings at a higher court.
Muhammed explained to the court, “When a judge of a high Court is aware of an application in a higher court, the notification in the dependency in the lower court must be in an affidavit of facts. It is expected that a trial court should stop the hearing on the matter pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.” Despite this plea, the court denied the request for adjournment, leading to the withdrawal of Muhammed and another senior member, Barrister Sanusi Musa, SAN.
Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu, who presided over the session, refused the application for a stay of proceedings. She stated, “The affidavit is unknown to the rules of Court,” and noted that the respondent did not disclose any special facts to warrant a stay. The case has been adjourned to July 18 to rule on various applications, including the extension of time and notice of preliminary objection.
The decision of Bayero’s legal representatives to step down indicates their dissatisfaction with the court’s ruling. This move could significantly impact the ongoing Emirate crisis. In a related development, the NNPP chairman in Kano state, Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, stated that the 15th Emir of Kano Aminu Ado Bayero and four other Emirs were merely commissioners.
This legal development marks another chapter in the complex power struggle within the Kano Emirate, with the next court session poised to be critical in determining the future dynamics of this historical institution.
