Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has summoned the chief judges of the Federal High Court and the Kano State High Court over the recent legal turmoil surrounding the Kano Emirate.
CJN’s summons follows the issuance of conflicting interim injunctions by the two courts.
This situation has resulted in creating uncertainty and tension within the state.
The coordinate courts conflicting rulings have aggravated the current legal and political disputes over the Kano Emirate, compelling the CJN to intervene to restore order and coherence.
The crux of the matter is the status and authority within the Kano Emirate, resulting in divergent court orders that have further complicated the situation.
CJN Ariwoola, in his summons on Wednesday, emphasized the importance of “judicial coordination and the necessity for the judiciary to present a unified front, particularly in cases of substantial 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 garnered national attention, with many stakeholders calling for a swift resolution following the state government’s decision to sack Emir Ado Bayero and reinstate Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II.”
On Saturday, a large number of security operatives, including policemen, soldiers, and men of the Department of State Services, among others, had besieged the Gidan Sarki Nasarawa, the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero’s home.
Some soldiers were also sighted at the residence of the reinstated Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II; the Kano State Government House and some strategic places within the metropolis as part of efforts to beef up security following the tussle for power in the emirate.
Following a new law passed by the Kano State House of Assembly, which repealed the four emirates earlier created by a former governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano installed Sanusi as the 16th Emir of the state.
