Justice Abdullahi Liman of the Federal High Court in Kano has invalidated the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of the esteemed Kano Emirate. In a ruling on Thursday, the judge declined Emir Aminu Ado Bayero’s request to declare the amended Kano Emirate law null and void. However, Justice Liman overturned all actions taken by Governor Abba Yusuf following the amendment of the controversial law by the Kano State House of Assembly on May 23, 2024.

The judge criticized the governor’s approval of the bill and the issuance of an appointment letter to Emir Sanusi on May 24, 2024, despite a court order directing all parties to maintain the status quo. Justice Liman stated that he had heard the governor’s statements in the media after approving the law and was convinced that the respondents (the governor and Kano State House of Assembly) were aware of the order to maintain the status quo until the court’s hearing and determination of the motions on notice.

Justice Liman emphasized that the chaos in the state could have been avoided if the respondents had complied with the court order, which would have still allowed them to carry out their duties.

The politics surrounding the ancient and prestigious Emirate of Kano has witnessed several controversial twists and turns in the past decade. While not as sensational as the popular American fantasy drama series “Game of Thrones,” the latest development is reminiscent of a movie script where either centuries-old tradition or politics emerges victorious.

The city has witnessed a power struggle between two royal families: the Bayero and the Sanusi families. In 2014, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II succeeded Emir Ado Bayero, defeating Aminu Ado Bayero, the son of his predecessor. However, six years later, he was dethroned and replaced by Aminu Ado Bayero due to a fallout with the then-governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.

After four years and a change in administration, Governor Yusuf reappointed Sanusi, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).