Evicted palace officials sue Emir Sanusi over unlawful ejection

A group of officials recently evicted from the main Kano Emir’s Palace have filed a lawsuit against the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and 12 others, accusing them of unlawful eviction and destruction of property.

The officials, who include prominent traditional title holders such as Usman Dako (Galadiman Sallama), Auwalu Maikudi (Sarkin Lema), and Sani Mohammad (popularly known as Sani Kwano), approached the Bichi Division of the Kano State High Court to challenge their removal from the palace.

Filed under suit number K/M1607/2025, the complainants are seeking a court declaration that their forceful eviction on Monday was illegal.

They also claim their belongings were damaged in the process.

The respondents in the suit include Emir Sanusi, the Kano Emirate Council, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), among others.

In response to the suit, the court has issued an order directing all parties to maintain the status quo ante—suspending any further actions until the case is fully heard and determined.

The dispute follows the controversial dethronement of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero by Governor Abba Yusuf in May 2024, alongside four other first-class emirs in the state.

The governor subsequently reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II as the sole Emir of Kano.

Since the shake-up, a deepening crisis has rocked the Kano Emirate, with both Sanusi and Ado Bayero laying claim to the throne.

While Sanusi occupies the main palace, Ado Bayero continues to reside in the mini palace and is contesting his removal in court.

The recent evictions are believed to be part of a broader effort to consolidate control under Emir Sanusi.

Some of the affected officials, many of whom have lived in the palace for decades, said they were asked to leave due to their perceived loyalty to the deposed Emir Ado Bayero.

The emirate crisis has thrown traditional title holders, district heads, and council members into a difficult position, as tensions persist over where to pledge allegiance.