Mixed reactions are trailing the removal of five first-class emirs in Kano State and the disbandment of the emirates.

A Federal High Court, Kano Division, had issued an order stopping the Kano State Government from proscribing the four emirate councils and the dethronement of their emirs, including the Emir of Kano, who was replaced by Muhammadu Sanusi 11.

Justice Mohammed Liman granted the order in an application by Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan Agundi, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba of the Kano Emirate.

It would be recalled that former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje divided the Kano Emirate into five, creating and appointing first-class emirs for Bichi, Rano, Karaye and Gaya emirates after amending the Emirate Councils Law.

On Thursday, hours after the Kano State House of Assembly repealed the law, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf deposed the emirs.

These include the 15th Fulani Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero; the Emir of Bichi, Alhaji Nasir Ado Bayero; the Emir of Rano, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad Inuwa; the Emir of Karaye, Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar II and the Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir.

Our correspondents report that the recent development has elicited divergent reactions.

In Karaye, findings revealed that the deposed emir vacated his palace Thursday night as sympathisers gathered to bid him farewell.

There was noticeable presence of security personnel stationed within the palace and in some strategic places in Karaye town.

Also, members of the community were seen conducting their normal activities but with serious concerns over the developing situation.

Abdullahi Ali, a trader said: “It is a difficult situation for all of us. Honestly, I am afraid I cannot say anything.”

Malam Sani, who works in the local government area said, “Whatever you see is from Allah.”

In Bichi, the horses of the deposed emir, Nasiru Ado Bayero, were reportedly evacuated from the palace, together with his other personal belongings.

Gates leading to the palace were manned by security operatives, although residents were seen going about their normal businesses as Friday was market day in Bichi.

“The emir left days before the announcement of his removal. It was nostalgic, honestly,” said Ismail, a school teacher.

Bintu, who said she was indifferent said: “Our prayer is that politicians would find a way of sorting out their differences instead of using traditional institutions to settle scores.

“Look at what is happening; the truth is that it is not worth it because all the emirs are related. It is one family, things like these can create bad blood,” she said.

Similarly, in Gaya, people were seen going about their activities.

Residents said the former emir vacated the palace at midnight on Thursday.

Also, there was no sign of any form of violence or resistance in the town, even as there was the presence of armed security personnel within the town.

A resident, Abubakar Shuaibu, said some people were not happy with the development.

There was similar deployment of security operatives in Rano Emirate.

Our correspondents made efforts to speak with people within the traditional institutions in all the delisted emirates but they were not forthcoming.

Lawyers divided over High Court order

Lawyers in Kano were divided yesterday on whether or not the Federal High Court that granted an interim injunction restraining operationalisation of the Kano Emirate Councils (Repeal) Law 2024 has jurisdiction in the matter.

Our correspondent reports that when Babba Dan Agundi, who is a senior title holder rushed to the Federal High Court in Kano, he pleaded with the judge, through his lawyers, to restrain all relevant stakeholders not to temper with the existing emirates.

The respondents in the fundamental rights case are the Kano State Government, the House of Assembly, the Speaker, the Attorney-General, Commissioner of Police, Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the State Security Service.

Speaking on the development, Bashir Muhammad Tudun Wazirci, a lawyer, who defended Governor Yusuf at the Election Petition Tribunal, up to the Supreme Court, said that the judge who granted the order knew that he had no jurisdiction in the case, being a chieftaincy affair.

Tudun Wazirci said although the order had not been served on them, he was only commenting based on what he read in the social media.

Another lawyer, Umar Danbaito, said section 251 of the 1999 Constitution, which confers jurisdictional powers on the Federal High Court, did not include matters relating to chieftaincy affairs.

Danbaito argued that the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court was limited to issues relating to the federal government and its agencies, arms and ammunition, aviation and safety of aircraft, diplomatic, consular and trade representation, among others.

Another lawyer, Felix Jones Osimerhe, said the Federal High Court had no jurisdiction on chieftaincy affairs.

He said that even if it does, the state governor enjoys immunity; and therefore, contempt proceedings cannot be filed against him.

Also, Ali Jamilu said the Federal High Court had jurisdiction on issues relating to fundamental rights and not chieftaincy affairs.

He said Babba Dan Agundi and his lawyers hid under sections 45 and 46 to secure the order, noting that only a state High Court or Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court can adjudicate on issues to do with chieftaincy affairs.

Another lawyer, who does not want his name mentioned, said Babba Danagundi could be right if he could convince the Federal High Court that his fundamental human right was infringed upon. (Daily Trust)

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