CJN summons judges over conflicting orders on Kano emirate tussle

Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) has summoned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, and the Chief Judge of Kano State High Court to appear before him.

The summoning comes few hours after the jurists delivered interim injunctions regarding the Kano emirate tussle causing uncertainty in the state.

The reinstated Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi and his deposed predecessor Aminu Ado Bayero are both laying claim to the traditional stool.

While Mr Sanusi is occupying the main Kofar Kudu palace and has the twin spear, the Royal Hat of Dabo, and the Ostrich-feathered shoes, in his custody, Mr Bayero is occupying a mini place in the emirate.

The state legislature reviewed and amended the state Emirate law, scrapping the other four emirates and retained the Kano emirate. Governor Abba Yusuf signed the bill and reinstated the former Central Bank governor to the position he was deposed of four years ago.

On Tuesday, Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu of the state high court issued an eviction order against Mr Bayero, prohibiting him and other affected four from parading as Emirs, an order that was not enforced by security agencies.

Shortly after, Justice S. A. Amobeda of a federal high court in the state, issued a similar order against Mr Sanusi, reinforcing the authority of embattled Aminu Ado Bayero and further escalating tensions in the state.

The State High Court’s case is set for further hearing on June 13, while the Federal High Court has adjourned its case to June 4. As both courts prepare for their respective hearings, the people of Kano await clarity on the matter.