Emirship Tussle: Kingmaker Dan’Agundi heads to Supreme Court

Aminu Dan’Agundi, a kingmaker in Emir Ado Bayero’s cabinet and his senior counsel, says the faction will appeal the Court of Appeal judgement in a suit regarding the Kano emirship.
In ruling on the matter, the Appeal Court said the Federal High Court, Kano Division, does not have the powers to interfere in the matter, a judgement welcomed by the Kano government.
“This ruling validates the government’s lawful actions and clarifies jurisdiction over chieftaincy matters, reinforcing the constitutional boundaries of courts in such affairs,’’ said Haruna Dederi, the attorney general and commissioner for justice.
However, while addressing journalists in Kano on Sunday, Mr Dan’Agundi said he had instructed his legal team to appeal against the Court of Appeal’s ruling at the Supreme Court.
He cited errors in the interpretation of the ruling on the side of the government, which backed Emir Muhammad Sanusi II for the throne.
He said it was wrong for the appeal court to interpret the case as a chieftaincy matter rather than a fundamental human rights violation.
Mr Dan’ Agundi said he was not contesting the constitutional power of the Kano House of Assembly to enact or repeal laws but that the Kano Emirate Council Law 2024 (repeal) did not follow due process.
He said that, as a kingmaker in the emirate council, he should have been accorded a fair hearing before the emirate council law was repealed.
“I went to the Federal High Court in Kano to challenge the Kano state government’s decision. After hearing from all the parties, the trial judge, Justice A.M. Liman, assumed jurisdiction to hear our case on merit.
“While delivering its judgement, the Appeal Court heavily relied on Supreme Court citation on the Emir of Muri’s case, upholding that any issue relating to chieftaincy affairs has to go back to the State High Court. But our case and that of Emir of Muri are different.
“Since the Court of Appeal held that the Federal High Court lacks jurisdiction to entertain our case, there is nothing I can do but appeal the judgement,” he said.
He said challenging the appeal court verdict meant that all actions regarding the emirship be suspended pending the Supreme Court’s final judgement.
He, therefore, urged the public to remain calm and wait for the Supreme Court’s verdict on the issue.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

NationWide
Senate confirms ex-FUOYE VC, Fasina, as non-career ambassador
Mr Oshiomhole (APC-Edo North) opposed the former vice-chancellor’s immediate confirmation, citing sexual allegations against him.

Lagos
Troops raid Lagos building, nab 24 illegal migrants
Mr Yahaya stated that during the operation, 24 foreign nationals comprising 15 males and nine females were apprehended.

Africa
Orange-lipped new monkey ‘Likweli’ species found in DR Congo forest
This is the fifth African monkey species to be discovered over the past seven decades.

Heading 1
20,000 pigs killed in Canada wildland fires
The fire incident at the farm occurred as 200 separate wildfires were burning across different parts of Ontario, prompting evacuation of residents.

States
Court remands Anambra teenager over alleged defilement
The teenager faces a one-count charge of defilement.

States
Yobe woos 50 foreign, local investors
Mr Chikaji said, “Yobe is open for business, not just in aspiration but in practice.”





