In a dramatic turn of events, Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has criticized the legitimacy of a judicial order preventing the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano.

The judge responsible for the ruling is reportedly in the United States, sparking a heated debate about the jurisdiction and authority of the court’s decision.

Background of the Controversy

On Thursday, Muhammadu Sanusi II was reinstated as the Emir of Kano, four years after his dethronement. This decision came after Governor Yusuf signed the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024 into law, aiming to restore Sanusi’s position. However, the following day, a Federal High Court in Kano issued an ex-parte order that halted the governor’s actions.

Governor Yusuf’s Response

During the presentation of the appointment letter to Sanusi on Friday, Governor Yusuf expressed his objections to the court order. Speaking in Hausa, he emphasized that the judge, who is currently out of the country, had overstepped his authority. Yusuf argued that the state assembly had followed due process in reinstating Sanusi and dissolving the emirates created by the previous administration.

Legal and Political Implications

This incident raises several critical questions about the separation of powers and the jurisdiction of courts when a judge is physically absent. It also highlights the ongoing political struggle in Kano State, where the emirate system has been a focal point of contention.

The reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano has become a flashpoint for legal and political debate. Governor Yusuf’s criticism of the judicial order issued from abroad underscores the complexities involved in this high-stakes conflict. As this situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will impact the political landscape of Kano State and the broader implications for judicial authority in Nigeria.