NBA Validates Sanusi II as 16th Fulani Emir of Kano, Delivers Lecture at Annual Conference
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has formally recognized Muhammadu Sanusi II as the rightful Emir of Kano, amid the ongoing dispute over the throne of the Kano emirate.
NBA stance aligns with the position of all 44 Kano District heads, Council chairmen, Commissioners, and numerous Kano residents who consider Sanusi the legitimate monarch.
The NBA’s recognition was demonstrated by invitation extended to the reinstated monarch to their annual conference holding in Kano, where he was represented by the Walin Kano, Alhaji Mahe Bashir Wali.
The conference, attended by prominent legal luminaries, including the President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Benedict Bakwaph Kanyip, and NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, marks the first NBA annual conference for the entire northern region.
Notably, the NBA did not extend an invitation to Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, acknowledging the repeal of the Kano chieftaincy law in 2024, which effectively dethroned him as the 15th emir.
The matter was scheduled for a federal high court hearing on Monday, but was botched due to the strike action by organized Labour unions.
In his address, delivered through his representative, Emir Sanusi welcomed the participants and highlighted Kano’s rich history as a cultural and commercial hub in the northern region.
He emphasized the importance of justice in achieving peace and progress, aligning with the conference theme, ‘Administration of Justice in Nigeria: Challenges and Reforms.’
On his part, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who was also represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Bappa Bichi, urged NBA members to “prioritize truth and uphold the rule of law in their practice, even when it means advising clients against pursuing unjust cases”.
The former TETFUND boss stressed the need for comprehensive judicial reforms to address the challenges facing the administration of justice in Nigeria.
Barr O.M Femi, speaking to journalists, acknowledged the ongoing legal dispute but expressed confidence in the court’s ability to render a precedent-setting decision.
He emphasized that “the NBA’s recognition of Sanusi as the Emir of Kano is evident in his invitation to the conference, which reinforces his status as the rightful monarch.”
