The Court of Appeal has overturned a Federal High Court ruling in Kano that annulled the appointment of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano. The lower court had, on June 20, 2024, reinstated deposed Emir Ado Bayero, invalidating the Kano State Government’s reinstatement of Sanusi as Emir and abrogating the Kano State Emirate Law of 2024, which dissolved the state’s five emirates.

Judge Abdullahi Muhammad Liman had earlier ordered all parties to maintain the status quo, ruling in favor of Aminu Babba Danagundi, a kingmaker who challenged the Emirate Law’s validity. Liman also dismissed the state government’s repeal of the Kano Emirates Council Law, which had been used to remove Sanusi and appoint Bayero. However, Sanusi’s reinstatement led to confusion as Bayero refused to step down, resulting in a prolonged tussle.

On January 10, 2025, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal in Kano, led by Justice Gabriel Omoniyi Kolawole, ruled that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case. The appellate court declared the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Danagundi invalid and dismissed Liman’s June 20 ruling.

Meanwhile, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has ordered a fresh hearing into the Kano Emirate dispute, citing procedural irregularities. Justice Mohammed Mustapha ruled that Bayero was not afforded a fair opportunity to present his case, including adequate notification of hearings and the chance to secure new legal representation after his lawyer withdrew.

The appellate court directed the case to be reassigned to a different judge in the Kano State High Court for an expedited decision. The emirship crisis remains unresolved, with Bayero occupying the mini palace in Nasarawa and Sanusi maintaining control of the main palace in Kano City.