The longstanding tussle over the Kano Emirate's leadership has advanced to Nigeria's Supreme Court, as former Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and incumbent Emir Aminu Ado Bayero seek a definitive resolution.
This legal battle traces back to March 2020, when Sanusi was deposed by the Kano State Government, citing alleged insubordination and other charges. Subsequently, Aminu Ado Bayero, son of the late Emir Ado Bayero, was appointed as the new Emir.
In 2024, the Kano State House of Assembly passed the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024, which aimed to reverse the creation of five new emirates and reinstate Sanusi as the Emir of Kano. However, this legislative move was contested in court. A Federal High Court in Kano initially nullified the law, but in January 2025, the Court of Appeal in Abuja overturned this decision, effectively reinstating Sanusi. This appellate decision prompted further legal challenges, leading both parties to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.
On March 25, 2025, the Court of Appeal issued a stay of execution on its previous judgment, pending the Supreme Court's final verdict. This stay effectively maintains the status quo, with Aminu Ado Bayero continuing as the Emir of Kano until the apex court delivers its judgment. The Supreme Court's forthcoming decision is anticipated to provide a conclusive resolution to this protracted dispute, which has significant implications for the traditional institution and the people of Kano State.