The Federal High Court in Kano is set to deliver rulings on key motions related to the contentious Kano Emirates Council Repeal Law 2024.
This law, enacted by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, was used to dethrone the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, dissolve the emirates of Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya created by former Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and reinstate the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, as the 16th Emir of Kano.
Aminu Babba Danagundi, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, challenged the validity of the law, seeking a court declaration to nullify it.
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His counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), presented this challenge, and the ruling on this plea is anticipated today.
The court will also address a motion for stay of proceedings filed by A.G. Wakil, representing the State Attorney General and the Kano State Government, who are respondents in Danagundi’s suit.
Additionally, Eyitayo Fatogun (SAN), representing the State House of Assembly and its speaker, informed the court of a notice of appeal filed at the Court of Appeal, seeking to stay the lower court’s proceedings.
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Despite the appeal notice, the judge noted that there was no evidence of the appeal being entered and no formal application for stay filed.
The delay in forming a quorum at the Court of Appeal has postponed hearing dates, reportedly due to recent federal holidays.
Court documents reveal the appellants filed various motions and records between June 13 and June 19, including a motion ex parte and an affidavit of urgency.
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The Federal High Court had previously ruled on June 13 that it had jurisdiction over the chieftaincy matter, prompting the appellants to seek an urgent stay of proceedings and challenge the lower court’s jurisdiction, arguing the issue falls outside the purview of Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
The state House of Assembly passed the Emirates Council Repeal Bill on May 23, which Governor Yusuf signed into law on the same day, setting the stage for these legal disputes.