A Federal High Court in Kano has postponed its ruling on the validity of the recently passed Kano Emirates Council Repeal Law 2024 until 2pm today.
The judgment was initially scheduled for 12pm but was shifted before midday by the court clerk.
The court will also address a motion for a stay of proceedings filed by the counsel representing the Kano State Government, which is a respondent in the suit challenging the legality of the new law.
The controversial law, signed by Governor Abba Yusuf on May 23 after being passed by the State House of Assembly, was used to dethrone the Emir of Kano Aminu Ado Bayero and reappoint Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir. It also reversed the creation of four additional emirates established in 2020.
However, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Aminu Danagundi, filed a suit through his counsel Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), asking the court to declare the law null and void.
After hearing arguments last Friday, Justice Abdullahi Liman of the Kano Federal High Court adjourned the ruling until today.
Eyitayo Fatogun (SAN), representing the State Assembly and Speaker, informed the court of a notice of appeal filed at the Court of Appeal seeking a stay of proceedings. However, Justice Liman noted there was no evidence the appeal had been entered nor a formal stay application filed.
The high-stakes case has implications for the traditional rulership structure in Kano, Nigeria’s second largest city. All eyes are on the Federal High Court as it prepares to deliver its momentous ruling this afternoon.
