The Sarkin Dawakin Baba of Kano, Aminu Baba Danagundi, has stated that the appointment of Emir Lamido Sanusi was wrong, and emirate succesion should be a father to son transition.
Danagundi said this while speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Monday night about the ongoing legal disputes over the legitimacy of various emir appointments in Kano.
He criticised the appointment process of Sanusi, stating, “The appointment of Emir Sanusi was not right because the position of the Emir of Kano is inherited. The Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, his father was the Emir of Kano for over 60 years, and his grandfather, his great-grandfather. From his mother’s side, his mother was the princess from Ilorin.”
Danagundi also revealed his discontent with the exclusion of traditional authorities in the appointment process, lamenting, “It is unfortunate that when the government is going out to get a new Emir, they don’t consult some of the traditional people like me who understand the history and culture of the people.”
The controversy escalated when the Kano State High Court issued an order restraining the 15th Emir of Kano, Amino Ado Bayero, and four other dethroned Emirs of Bichi, Rano, Gayo, and Karaye from parading themselves as Emirs. This decision has led to conflicting orders between the state high court and the court of appeal.
Danagundi voiced his concerns over these conflicting judicial orders, asserting, “For me, it’s unfortunate that even the Chief Justice of Nigeria was talking about the conflicting orders between the state high court and court of appeal. The two courts have equal rights. This is judicial rascality.”
He further stressed the need for adherence to the initial court order, stating, “This order that was given by the previous judge for the Emirs to remain in their positions, whether it is right or wrong. They must follow it. They can only appeal it. The state high has no right to contradict the order, which can bring problems in Kano.”
He firmly declared that he will not stand by what the state high court judge has ruled on, saying, “ Of course i will not stand by what this judge has ruled on.”
Pointing out the confusion caused by the recent ruling, he remarked, “This court order is an academic exercise because wherever you have orders, the first should be followed, then appealed which they did. The case is coming back on the 17th of this month, but this judge, Justice Amina Aliyu, gave this ruling 3 days before that day. This case that she gave the ruling for was slated for the 18th. We don’t know what happened that she decided to give the ruling on the 15th after it was on record.”
Danagundi also accused Sanusi of using financial influence to secure his position, claiming, “Sanusi is back because he paid for it. He has given money to the governor and Kwankwaso. He funded their campaign. I have the evidence.”
Looking ahead, he highlighted the importance of following the rule of law to resolve the ongoing disputes. “The way forward is to follow the rule of law,” he concluded.
NANCY MBAMALU
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