Kano: Attorney General breaks silence on Emirship dispute, affirms Sanusi as legitimate Emir
Kano State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, has reaffirmed that the recent ruling by the Court of Appeal, Abuja division, does not invalidate the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.
Dederi clarified that the appellate court had already delivered a “landmark verdict” on January 10, 2025, affirming the Kano State government’s authority to reappoint Sanusi.
He emphasized that the Court of Appeal lacks the power to overturn its own decision, stating, “The Court of Appeal cannot reverse its own decision. It is not possible. It is only a Supreme Court that has the power to set aside the judgment given by a lower court.”
His remarks followed Friday’s ruling on an application for a stay of execution filed by Alhaji Aminu Baba Dan Agundi, a key supporter of the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero. The court ruled that the current status quo should be maintained until the Supreme Court delivers its judgment.
Dederi reiterated that the matter is now “functus officio,” meaning only the Supreme Court can alter the ruling issued by Justice Mohammad Mustapha on January 10.
That ruling had set aside the judgment of Justice A. Liman of the Federal High Court, which had nullified the Kano State Government’s actions under the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024, including Sanusi’s reinstatement.
Unhappy with the ruling, Dan Agundi has taken the case to the Supreme Court while also seeking a stay of execution, pending the apex court’s verdict.
