A Kano State High Court, led by Chief Judge Justice Dije Abdu Aboki, has issued an interim order preventing the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, from proceeding with renovations on the historic Nasarawa Palace.
The legal dispute arose after Bayero began holding court at the palace following the dissolution of the emirates. The Kano State Government, the state attorney general, and the Kano Emirate filed the lawsuit, with Emir Bayero being the sole defendant.
The court’s order mandates that both parties maintain the current condition of the palace, preserving its structural and architectural design until the matter is resolved. Justice Aboki stated, “An order of interim injunction is hereby made restraining the defendant, his agents, or anyone acting on his behalf from demolishing, renovating, or altering the property known as Gidan Sarki Nasarawa until the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”
The injunction, based on an ex-parte motion dated September 9 and supported by a 33-paragraph affidavit from Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed, known as Matawallen Kano, prevents any changes to the palace until further court proceedings.
The court has also instructed that Emir Bayero be served with the legal documents by substituted means, with the next hearing set for October 2, 2024.
