The legal fight over the Kano Emirate is still ongoing as the Court of Appeal in Abuja has stopped the enforcement of its earlier ruling that upheld the Kano State Government’s decision to repeal the 2019 Emirate Council Law.

This means that the reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano is on hold until the Supreme Court gives a final decision.

Previously, the Court of Appeal in Kano overturned a Federal High Court ruling from June 2024, which had declared the Kano State Government’s actions invalid. The appellate court ruled that chieftaincy matters fall under state courts, not the Federal High Court.

However, the Kano State Government challenged this ruling at the Supreme Court and asked for an order to stop the enforcement of the appellate court’s decision while the appeal is pending.

A three-member panel, led by Justice Okon Abang, ruled in favor of Aminu Babba Dan (Sarkin Dawaki Babba), who had filed a case to protect his legal rights. The court agreed that the best option was to maintain the status quo until the Supreme Court makes a final ruling.

With this decision, the Kano State Government, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, and security agencies are not allowed to enforce the Court of Appeal’s ruling from January 10.

Additionally, the applicant must file an undertaking within 14 days, agreeing to compensate the respondents if the order is later found to be unnecessary.

This latest ruling extends the legal uncertainty over the Kano Emirate’s leadership until the Supreme Court delivers its final judgment.