The Sarkin Dawakin Babba of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Babban DanAgundi, has warned that he will initiate legal action against Muhammadu Sanusi II for contempt of court if he continues to parade himself as the Emir of Kano despite Friday’s ruling by the Court of Appeal.
Addressing a press briefing on Saturday at the Nassarawa mini palace, DanAgundi, a senior kingmaker and ally of the 15th emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, insisted that Sanusi must respect the rule of law and immediately cease acting as the 16th emir of Kano.
Citing the ruling of the Court of Appeal, Abuja division, DanAgundi emphasized that the court had issued an order restraining all parties from enforcing the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/KN/126/2024, which had upheld Sanusi’s reinstatement. He further referenced a second order granting a mandatory injunction directing all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum until the Supreme Court delivers a final judgment on the matter.
“We went to the Court of Appeal for a stay of execution of its judgment delivered on January 10, 2025, pending the appeal filed at the Supreme Court. The court has granted the order restraining the execution of the verdict. This means the status of the emirship should remain as it was before we challenged the matter, meaning Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero is still the emir,” DanAgundi stated.
He also criticized alleged misinterpretations of the ruling, particularly by the Kano State Government, and called on security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), to ensure compliance with the court’s directive.
“Let me make it clear, I will not hesitate to take further legal action should Sanusi continue parading himself as emir. We would take him for contempt of court because the rule of law must be followed,” he warned.
Meanwhile, Kano State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Haruna Isa Dederi, refuted DanAgundi’s claims, insisting that the Court of Appeal’s ruling had not invalidated Sanusi’s reinstatement. According to Dederi, the January 10 judgment had already affirmed the state government’s authority to reappoint Sanusi, making it impossible for the Court of Appeal to overturn its own decision on the matter.
The lingering emirship tussle in Kano continues to deepen tensions, with legal and political battles shaping the future of the revered Kano Emirate. All eyes are now on the Supreme Court for a final resolution to the crisis.
