Sanusi, Bayero dispute lingers as S’Court adjourns to 2027

The Supreme Court on Monday adjourned the hearing in the protracted Kano Emirate dispute till April 19, 2027, extending the legal battle over the controversial traditional institution.

The apex court fixed the date after parties adopted their preliminary arguments at the resumed proceedings.

The case, which has lingered across multiple courts, centres on the legality of actions taken by successive Kano State governments regarding the restructuring of the emirate system and the occupancy of the Kano throne.

The dispute involves rival claims arising from the deposition of the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, in 2020 and the subsequent appointment of Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir, as well as later developments that saw the reinstatement of Sanusi following a reversal of earlier policies.

The crisis traces back to 2019 when the Kano State Government under former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje split the emirate into five jurisdictions—Kano, Bichi, Rano, Karaye and Gaya—amid widespread controversy.

However, the administration of Governor Abba Yusuf, in 2024, repealed the law establishing the additional emirates, dissolved them, and reinstated Sanusi, a move that triggered fresh litigation by aggrieved parties.

Since removing him as emir, Bayero had remained at the mini palace and was laying claim to the stool while Sanusi resides at the main palace, with the state government’s backing.

At the Supreme Court, the suit was instituted by a claimant challenging the legality of the repeal law and the actions taken by the state government and the House of Assembly.

Following Monday’s proceedings, the apex court adjourned the matter for further hearing, leaving the contentious issues unresolved.