A Kano State High Court presided over by Justice Dije Abdu Aboki has issued an interim order preventing the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, from proceeding with renovations on the Nasarawa mini palace.
The ruling marks a significant development in the ongoing legal tussle between the emir and the Kano State government.
The palace, which has served as Bayero’s court since his return to Kano following the dissolution of the new emirates, is now at the center of a heated dispute.
The plaintiffs, comprising the Kano State government, state attorney general and the Kano Emirate are seeking to preserve the existing structure. They argue that the renovations proposed by Emir Bayero could alter the architectural and cultural heritage of the palace.
Justice Aboki ordered that all parties involved maintain the current structural and architectural integrity of the palace until the court reaches a final decision. The court also directed that Emir Bayero be served the legal documents through substituted means.
Court documents revealed that the plaintiffs filed an ex parte motion on September 9, supported by a 33-paragraph affidavit deposed by the Matawallen Kano, Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed. The plaintiffs aim to prevent any modifications to the Nasarawa palace before the court decides on the matter.
Bayero’s camp on September 1 shared a prototype of the proposed renovation. The plans depict a modernised palace, signaling an extensive overhaul of the historic building.
Governor Abba Yusuf had earlier approved N100 million for the renovation of the palace and directed Bayero’s eviction. However, those orders were not enforced, as the emir remained in the palace under heavy security. A previous ruling from the Federal High Court had also ordered the Kano State government to maintain the status quo, providing temporary protection for Bayero.
The next hearing on the renovation case was set for October 2, 2024.
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