CJN Summons Chief Judges Over Kano Emirate Legal Disputes

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has called a meeting with the Chief Judges of the Federal High Court and the Kano State High Court in response to the recent legal conflicts surrounding the Kano Emirate.

This action comes after the issuance of conflicting interim injunctions by the two courts, which have caused significant uncertainty and tension within Kano State.

These contradictory rulings have escalated the ongoing legal and political disputes over the Kano Emirate, prompting the CJN to step in to restore order and clarity.

At the center of the disputes is the authority and status within the Kano Emirate, leading to divergent court orders that have further muddled the situation.

In his summons on Wednesday, Justice Ariwoola stressed the need for “judicial coordination and the importance of the judiciary presenting a unified stance, especially in matters of significant public interest.”

The forthcoming meeting with the chief judges aims to delineate jurisdictional boundaries and prevent future instances of conflicting judicial orders.

The situation in Kano has attracted national attention, with numerous stakeholders urging a swift resolution following the state government’s decision to remove Emir Ado Bayero and reinstate Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II.

Earlier, PUNCH online reported a substantial presence of security personnel, including police, soldiers, and officials from the Department of State Services, on Saturday at the Gidan Sarki Nasarawa, home of the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.

One of our correspondents observed soldiers at the residence of the current Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, the Kano State Government House, and other strategic locations within the city as part of efforts to bolster security amidst the power struggle in the emirate.

Following the repeal of a law that had created four new emirates by former governor Abdullahi Ganduje, Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano installed Sanusi as the 16th Emir of the state.