KANO, Federal Republic of Nigeria. A High Court, sitting in Kano, on Friday restrained the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, from demolishing or tampering with any structure within the Kano Emir’s palace, pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice.
Emir of Kano Sanusi Sanusi
Other defendants in the suit, filed by Alhaji Salim Bayero, are the Emirate Council and the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
Speaking with newsmen in Kano on Friday, counsel for the plaintiff, Mr. Sanusi Sadiq, said the Emir and the Emirate Council were planning to destroy no fewer than 13 tombs, of former Emirs of the ancient city.
According to him, the plan to demolish the structures in the palace was capable of erasing the ancient tradition of the Kano Emirate Council.
According to the court order, made available to newsmen in Kano on Friday, the Presiding Judge, Justice A.T. Badamasi, also restrained the Emir and the KEC from issuing a notice to quit or evicting any person residing in the palace, known as Gidan Rumfa, until the determination of the substantive application.
‘’The order restrained the First and Second Defendants/Respondents from giving a notice to quit or evicting any person resident in the Emir’s palace by virtue of being or Bayin Sarki, pending the determination of the substantive application,” the court added.
The court directed the parties involved to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The matter was adjourned to November 12 for hearing of the motion on notice.
Credit: Punch (Nigeria)
