A High Court in Kano on Friday restrained the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, from demolishing or tempering with any structure in the Kano Emir’s Palace pending the hearing of motion on notice.

Sanusi’s uncle, Alhaji Salim Abubakar Bayero, filed the suit challenging alleged plans by the emir to demolish some historical structures in the palace to build offices for district heads. The plaintiff is a grandson of the 10th Emir of Kano, late Sarki Abdullahi Bayero.

“That an order for interim injunction is hereby made restraining Emir Muhammadu Sanusi ll and Kano Emirate Council, the 1st and 2nd dependents in the case from demolishing and/or tampering with any structure in the Kano emir’s palace (Gidan Rumfa) by virtue of being ‘Yan Fulani or Bayin Sarki pending the determination of the substantive application,” said a one-page statement signed by the state director litigation.

Other parties in the case are Kano Emirate Council and the state Attorney-General. The plaintiff claims that the emir was bent on demolishing some structures at Ka’iya and Kachako sections as well as the graveyard of some past emirs within the palace. He told the court that the purpose for the demolition was to build offices for district heads, arguing that such action has never happened in the history of Kano where district heads have their offices within the palace.

Abubakar further informed the court that quit notices have already been issued to some occupants of the marked sections by the emir, adding that the demolition would disfigure the entire place. The plaintiff therefore, sought for an order to uphold the custom guiding and regulating the preservation, residing and maintenance of the palace and another declaration that the first and second respondents have no power, authority, right or privilege to destroy, demolish or in any way whatsoever temper with the ancient structures.

Abubakar further sought another declaration restraining the emir and the emirate council from evicting anybody residing within the palace. Justice A.T Badamasi adjourned the case to November 12 for hearing.

•Pieced together from reports in ThisDay and Weekly Trust. Photo shows Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II.

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