Kano emirship tussle: An appeal to Chief Justice of Nigeria

As a concerned citizen of Kano State, I write to you today with profound respect for your esteemed office and the judiciary you lead, but also with deep anxiety and a sense of impending peril regarding the protracted emirship dispute in my state, Kano. As Your Lordship is aware, Kano State is currently gripped by a dangerous stalemate arising from the conflicting claims to the revered throne of the Emir of Kano. This situation, fuelled by passionate historical, and now political affiliations within the state, has created a palpable tension.

The existence of two factions,  each claiming legitimacy and enjoying significant followings, has resulted in a fragile peace that threatens to fracture any time. The prolonged legal battle surrounding this matter has, unfortunately, become a catalyst for division and potential unrest. The delay in resolving the substantive appeal currently pending before the Supreme Court, filed by one faction challenging the decisions of the lower courts, is not merely a procedural matter. It is, in the current volatile climate, a ticking time bomb.

The issue of the emirship dispute in Kano is not like that of the disputed emirship of Gwandu Emirate which the Supreme Court recently resolved after more than 20 years. The unique nature of the Kano dispute is that all the disputants claiming the throne are now resident in Kano, unlike that of the Gwandu Emirate, thus strengthening the fear of a serious breakdown of law and order in the state. I respectfully bring to Your Lordship’s attention the grave consequences of allowing this legal limbo to persist:

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1. Heightened tension and risk of violence: The unresolved dispute provides fertile ground for misinformation, agitation, and potential clashes between supporters of the rival factions. Kano’s largest population means any breakdown in law and order could leave devastating and far-reaching consequences. Governance and development stalled: The uncertainty paralyses local administration associated with the traditional institution and diverts the attention of the state authorities from critical issues of governance and development.
2. Erosion of public trust in the judiciary: While I have absolute faith in the judiciary’s integrity, prolonged delay in resolving such a critical and volatile issue risks creating perceptions of inefficiency or external influences, undermining the public confidence essential for the rule of law.
3. National stability: Kano’s stability is intrinsically linked to the stability of Northern Nigeria and, indeed, the entire nation. A major crisis in Kano would have severe national repercussions. Therefore, Your Lordship, I humbly and urgently beseech you, on behalf of all concerned Kano State citizens and their well-wishers:

-To use your esteemed leadership and constitutional authority as Chief Justice of Nigeria to prioritise the hearing and disposal of the appeal concerning the dispute before the Supreme Court.

–    To direct the Supreme Court Registry and relevant panel to accord this matter the utmost urgency it demands in the overriding interest of justice, peace and public order. To ensure that all necessary steps are taken to expedite the pre-hearing processes and list this appeal for hearing at the earliest possible date and time.

I recognise the Supreme Court’s heavy docket and its commitment to due process. However, I believe the unique perilous circumstances surrounding this particular case constitute an exceptional situation demanding exceptional administrative and procedural expedition, fully within the Court’s inherent powers to manage its processes for the end of justice.   Your Lordship, Kano people stand at a precipice.

A swift, definitive, and legally sound resolution from the highest court in the land is the most potent antidote to the poison of division and the threat of violence. It is the clearest path to restoring peace, stability, and the dignity of the revered Kano Emirate institution.  May the Almighty Allah guide your deliberations and actions in this critical matter. Amin.

Alhaji Abdussalami Muhammad Yaro, 178 Mai’aduwa Quarters, Kano