Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has called for an end to the ongoing emirate dispute in Kano State, asserting that the recent Court of Appeal ruling has confirmed Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero as the legitimate Emir of Kano.
Speaking at the 21st Chief Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Lecture in Lagos, Falana emphasized the importance of adhering to court judgments, urging the legal community to avoid actions that could escalate the conflict.
“The law is clear — the traditional institution is not a matter of fundamental rights, and the Federal High Court has no jurisdiction in chieftaincy issues,” said Falana, referencing the appellate court’s ruling which invalidated a lower court’s decision nullifying Bayero’s appointment.
The Court of Appeal had determined that the Federal High Court had acted outside its jurisdiction and ordered the case to be transferred to the Kano State High Court. Falana warned against attempts to create parallel authority, stating, “There can’t be two Emirs in Kano… This chaos must stop.”
Despite the ruling, Aminu Babba Danagundi, a supporter of Bayero’s predecessor, vowed to continue the legal battle.
“We are prepared to pursue this case for as long as it takes — even 20 years if necessary,” he said, noting that his legal team had already filed an appeal with the Supreme Court.
The ongoing legal disputes have further complicated the leadership crisis in the northern Nigerian state.