A Kano State High Court, presided over by Chief Judge Justice Dije Aboki, has issued an interim order restraining the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, from proceeding with the renovation of the Nassarawa mini palace.
The order came after a motion ex parte was filed by the plaintiffs, which included the Kano State Government, the Attorney General of Kano State, and the Kano State Emirate Council, represented by Rilwanu Umar Esq. and three other counsels.
The court’s decision directs all parties involved to maintain the current status quo regarding the palace’s structural and architectural design until the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
Justice Aboki’s ruling states: “That an order of Interim injunction is hereby made restraining the Defendant, his agents, privies, or anyone acting under the instruction and command of the Defendant in whatever manner from further demolishing, renovating, repairing, reconstructing, and refurbishing the property known as Gidan Sarki Nassarawa situated along State Road, Kano pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice before this court.”
The embattled Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, had reportedly begun renovations at the mini palace with a prototype design illustrating how it would appear upon completion.
Bayero was dethroned by Governor Abba Yusuf, leading to the reinstatement of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who took over the Kofar-Kudu palace. Upon his return to Kano, Bayero was forced to occupy the Nassarawa mini palace.
The court’s ruling further directs: “That an order is made directing parties to this suit to maintain status quo in respect of the structural and architectural design of the Res pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice filed before this Honourable Court.”
Additionally, the court ordered that the defendant be served with the originating process and motion on notice via substituted means, either by posting them at the Nassarawa mini palace or delivering them to an adult aide of the defendant.
The case has been adjourned to October 2, 2024, for the hearing of the motion on notice.
Earlier, the Kano State government had issued a notice to Emir Bayero to vacate the property, as it planned a major renovation project worth N99.9 million. The government’s decision to renovate the house was met with resistance from the Emir, leading to the legal dispute now before the court.
