The Supreme Court of Nigeria has adjourned proceedings in the long-running Kano Emirate dispute to April 19, 2027, effectively pushing further hearing until after the next general elections.

The decision was announced after parties adopted their preliminary arguments at the resumed sitting.

What the case is about

The suit centres on the legality of actions taken by successive Kano State governments over the restructuring of the emirate system and the occupancy of the Kano throne.

At the heart of the dispute are rival claims linked to the 2020 deposition of the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and the subsequent appointment of Aminu Ado Bayero.

The controversy deepened after later developments saw Sanusi reinstated following policy reversals by a new administration.

How the crisis started

The dispute dates back to 2019 when the Kano State Government under former governor Abdullahi Ganduje created additional emirates, splitting the system into Kano, Bichi, Rano, Karaye and Gaya.

The move sparked widespread reactions and legal challenges.

In 2024, the administration of Governor Abba Yusuf repealed the law establishing the new emirates, dissolved them and reinstated Sanusi, triggering fresh litigation from opposing parties.

Latest court position

At the Supreme Court, the case was filed by a claimant challenging the legality of the repeal law and subsequent actions by the state government and the House of Assembly.

With the new adjournment date, the apex court has left the issues unresolved for now, prolonging one of the most closely watched traditional and political disputes in the country.