In a major legal development today, the Court of Appeal has issued a ruling halting the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano. The decision comes after an appeal was filed challenging the initial ruling that had ordered his reinstatement to the throne of Kano, which he was dethroned from in March 2020 by the Kano State Government.
In its judgment, the Court of Appeal determined that the lower court’s ruling, which had mandated the reinstatement of Sanusi, should be temporarily suspended pending further legal proceedings. This ruling effectively delays the former Emir’s return to the throne, maintaining the status quo while the matter continues to be examined in the judicial system.
The appeal was brought forth by the Kano State Government, which had contested the earlier judgment based on constitutional and legal grounds. The state administration argued that the reinstatement order was legally flawed, and the Court of Appeal's decision reflects the seriousness of the case and the need for a comprehensive legal review.
Muhammadu Sanusi II, who had reigned as the Emir of Kano from 2014 to 2020, was removed from office by the state government under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. His removal was widely regarded as politically motivated, sparking both local and international debates about the independence of traditional institutions and the role of state governments in appointing or removing traditional rulers.
Sanusi, a former central bank governor and a vocal critic of government policies, was exiled to Nasarawa State shortly after his ousting. His removal and subsequent exile led to widespread protests and legal actions from various quarters advocating for his reinstatement.
Legal experts are closely monitoring the developments, as this ruling further complicates the already complex issue of traditional rulership and governance in Nigeria. It is expected that the case will continue to attract significant public attention as the Court of Appeal and other legal bodies continue to deliberate on the matter.