JUST IN: CJN summons Chief judges over Kano emirate tussle

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

This summons follows the issuance of conflicting interim injunctions by the two courts, which have created significant uncertainty and tension within the state.

The conflicting rulings have intensified the ongoing legal and political disputes over the Kano Emirate, prompting the CJN to intervene to restore order and coherence.

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

In his summons on Wednesday, Justice Ariwoola emphasized the importance of “judicial coordination and the necessity for the judiciary to present a unified front, particularly in cases of substantial public interest.

“The upcoming meeting with the chief judges aims to clarify jurisdictional boundaries and prevent future occurrences of conflicting judicial orders.

“The situation in Kano has garnered national attention, with many stakeholders calling for a swift resolution following the state government’s decision to sack Emir Ado Bayero and reinstate Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II.”

PUNCH online had earlier reported a heavy presence of security personnel, including policemen, soldiers, and officials of the Department of State Services, among others, on Saturday at the Gidan Sarki Nasarawa, which is home to the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.

One of our correspondents, who monitored the development, also sighted some soldiers at the residence of the current Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II; the Kano State Government House and some strategic places within the metropolis as part of efforts to beef up security following the tussle for power in the emirate.

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