In a recent announcement, Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State declared that Aminu Ado Bayero, the deposed Emir of Kano, is now regarded as a “private citizen.” This decision follows rulings from the Kano State High Court, which upheld the State Assembly’s repeal of the 2019 Kano Emirate law, a move that effectively stripped Bayero of his royal status.
Earlier this year, Governor Yusuf removed Aminu Bayero from the emirship and reinstated Muhammad Sanusi as the 15th Emir of Kano. The enactment of the 2024 Kano Emirate law by the State House of Assembly nullified the previous 2019 law that had divided the Kano Emirate.
Sanusi Bature, Chief Press Secretary, clarified during an interview on Arise TV’s Morning Show that the court’s rulings reaffirmed Sanusi as the rightful Emir of Kano, pending further legal proceedings. Bature emphasized that even without reinstatement, the Assembly’s constitutional duty was to repeal the law, effectively restoring the pre-2019 status where Emir Sanusi led a unified Kano State.
Pending further legal outcomes, Emir Sanusi continues to fulfill his duties from the palace. The High Court’s affirmation of the law confirms the deposition of former Emir Ado Bayero, who is now considered a private citizen in Kano and is prohibited from occupying state-owned premises.
Governor Yusuf’s administration has filed an interlocutory appeal, seeking additional legal clarity as the situation unfolds in various courts regarding the Kano Emirate’s leadership.
The deposition of Emir Ado Bayero stemmed from the enactment of the 2024 Kano Emirate law by the State House of Assembly. This law nullified the previous 2019 law that had divided the Kano Emirate into five. As a result, Governor Yusuf removed Aminu Bayero from the emirship and reinstated Muhammad Sanusi as the 15th Emir of Kano. The court’s rulings reaffirmed Sanusi’s position, pending further legal proceedings .
The public’s reaction to the decision varied. Some citizens expressed support for Emir Sanusi’s reinstatement, citing the court’s validation of his position. Others, however, remained divided, with discussions continuing across Kano State about the implications of the repealed 2024 law and its impact on the emirate’s leadership.
Emir Sanusi has navigated his reinstatement with poise and diligence, despite the intense public scrutiny. He continues to fulfill his duties from the palace, maintaining a steady presence while legal proceedings unfold. His measured approach reflects both his commitment to leadership and the weight of the situation.
