At the 21st Memorial Lecture of Chief Gani Fawehinmi in Lagos, renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana delivered a strong message on the ongoing dispute over the Emir of Kano’s position. Falana, in a viral video, emphasized that the decision of the Court of Appeal affirming the legitimacy of the 16th Emir of Kano is final and must be respected.
Falana congratulated the Emir on his victory, pointing out that although there are plans to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, the legal framework surrounding the matter is clear. “The law is settled,” Falana stated, underlining that the traditional institution is not a matter of fundamental rights, thus not subject to enforcement as such in court.
He also addressed the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, noting that it does not have the authority to rule on chieftaincy matters, urging the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to intervene and prevent legal professionals from misleading clients in this area.
Falana concluded with a firm stance: “You have come to stay, and we must have only one emir in Kano,” stressing that the nation must avoid the confusion of having multiple traditional leaders in a single region, likening it to the issue of multiple speakers in Rivers State. The message was clear – the legal and traditional order must prevail.
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