A decision on the court’s jurisdiction over Sanusi’s reinstatement case will be made on June 13.
A Federal High Court in Kano, overseen by Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman, will decide on June 13 whether it has the authority to hear a case regarding the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.
The Kano state government recently abolished five emirates, dethroning Aminu Bayero and four other emirs by changing the state’s chieftaincy law. In response, Aminu Babba Dan Agundi, a senior councillor from one of the affected emirates, sued the state Assembly and Governor Abba Yusuf. The Federal High Court issued an order to stop Sanusi’s reinstatement.
Dan Agundi’s lawyer, Barrister MA Waziri, argued that the Assembly violated fundamental human rights by not holding a public hearing before changing the law and removing the emirs. He asked the court to cancel Sanusi’s reinstatement.
On the other hand, the respondents’ lawyer, Muhamud Magaji, claimed the federal high court does not have the authority to handle this case, stating that appointing and dethroning emirs is a state matter.
During Thursday’s session, both lawyers debated the court’s jurisdiction. Magaji urged the court to reject the plaintiff’s argument, emphasizing that the State House of Assembly has the power to amend or create laws about emirate titles and chieftaincy without consulting the plaintiff. He pointed out that the plaintiff’s argument is inconsistent, as it favors one repealed law over another.
Justice Liman noted that the court has two issues to address: its jurisdiction and the motion to lift the order stopping Sanusi’s reinstatement. The judge adjourned the case to June 13 to rule on the court’s jurisdiction.
