Court Adjourns Ruling On Kano Mini Palace Renovation Dispute

Aminu Ado Bayero

Justice Dije Aboki of the Kano State High Court has adjourned ruling in the suit filed to prevent the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, from proceeding with renovations on the historic Nasarawa mini palace.

The court has set October 10, 2024, as the date for its ruling on the matter.

The plaintiffs in this case, which include the Kano State Government, the state’s Attorney General, and the Kano Emirate Council, are seeking to preserve the palace’s existing structure and cultural heritage, resisting efforts to modernize the historic site. Emir Bayero has been named as the sole defendant in the proceedings.

During the hearing on the motion, the plaintiffs’ counsel, Habib Akilu, noted the absence of the defendant’s legal team.

“The substantive application is ripe for hearing,” Akilu asserted, as he moved for an interlocutory injunction to restrain the Emir from “reconstructing, demolishing, or altering the face of the mini palace” until the court delivers a final judgment.

In response, Justice Aboki scheduled the ruling for October 10, emphasizing the importance of keeping all parties informed by ordering that relevant court processes be posted on the court’s notice board.

The plaintiffs had previously secured an interim injunction on September 13, 2024, which barred the Emir from undertaking any renovation work following the release of a proposed modernization plan for the palace.

This interim measure was granted after a motion ex parte was filed by the plaintiffs’ lead counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Rilwanu Umar, on September 12.

In a supporting 33-paragraph affidavit, deposed by the Matawallen Kano, Ibrahim Ahmed, the plaintiffs argued that any alterations to the palace would compromise its historical value and cultural significance.

“The Nasarawa mini palace is a symbol of our heritage.

“Modernization, especially in the form of the proposed renovations, would erase the architectural essence and historical integrity that this palace stands for,” Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed emphasized.

The court has previously mandated that all parties maintain the structural and architectural integrity of the palace until a final decision is rendered.