Kano Emir Sanusi sued by uncle over demolition

Kano Emir Sanusi sued by uncle over demolition
By Yusha’u A. Ibrahim, Kano | Publish Date: Oct 30 2015 9:29PM | Updated Date: Oct 31 2015 5:09AM
Kano Emir Sanusi sued by uncle over demolition
Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II

A Kano State High Court yesterday issued an interim injunction restraining Emir Muhammadu Sanusi ll from demolishing any historical structure in the palace pending the determination of a substantive application before it.
 Sanusi’s uncle, Alhaji Salim Abubakar Bayero, filed the suit challenging alleged plans by the emir to demolish some historical structures in the palace to build offices for district heads. The plaintiff is a grandson of the 10th Emir of Kano, late Sarki Abdullahi Bayero.
“That an order for interim injunction is hereby made restraining Emir Muhammadu Sanusi ll and Kano Emirate Council, the 1st and 2nd dependents in the case from demolishing and/or tampering with any structure in the Kano emir’s palace (Gidan Rumfa) by virtue of being ‘Yan Fulani or Bayin Sarki pending the determination of the substantive application,” said a one-page statement signed by the state director litigation, a copy of which was obtained by Daily Trust.
 Other parties in the case are Kano Emirate Council and the state Attorney-General. The plaintiff claims that the emir was bent on demolishing some structures at Ka’iya and Kachako sections as well as the graveyard of some past emirs within the palace. He told the court that the purpose for the demolition was to build offices for district heads, arguing that such action has never happened in the history of Kano where district heads have their offices within the palace.
 Abubakar further informed the court that quit notices have already been issued to some occupants of the marked sections by the emir, adding that the demolition would disfigure the entire place. The plaintiff therefore, sought for an order to uphold the custom guiding and regulating the preservation, residing and maintenance of the palace and another declaration that the first and second respondents have no power, authority, right or privilege to destroy, demolish or in any way whatsoever temper with the ancient structures.
 Abubakar further sought another declaration restraining the emir and the emirate council from evicting anybody residing within the palace. Justice A.T Badamasi adjourned the case to November 12 for hearing.