The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has taken action in response to the recent legal turmoil surrounding the Kano Emirate by summoning the Chief Judges of the Federal High Court and the Kano State High Court. This decision comes in light of conflicting interim injunctions issued by the two courts, which have caused considerable uncertainty and tension within the state.
The conflicting rulings have exacerbated the ongoing legal and political disputes over the Kano Emirate, prompting the CJN to intervene in order to restore order and coherence.
Central to the disputes is the status and authority within the Kano Emirate, resulting in divergent court orders that have further complicated matters.
In his summons issued on Wednesday, Justice Ariwoola stressed the importance of judicial coordination and the necessity for the judiciary to present a unified front, especially in cases of significant public interest. The upcoming meeting with the chief judges aims to clarify jurisdictional boundaries and prevent future occurrences of conflicting judicial orders.
The situation in Kano has attracted national attention, with numerous stakeholders advocating for a prompt resolution following the state government’s decision to remove Emir Ado Bayero and reinstate Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II.
Reports from PUNCH online earlier highlighted a heavy security presence, including police officers, soldiers, and officials from the Department of State Services, at the residences of both the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and the current Emir, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II. This deployment was part of efforts to bolster security amid the power struggle in the emirate, which intensified following the enactment of a new law repealing four emirates previously established by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. Governor Abba Yusuf subsequently installed Sanusi as the 16th Emir of the state.
