The Kano State High Court, under the leadership of Chief Judge Justice Dije Aboki, has postponed its ruling on an application seeking to halt renovations on the historic Nasarawa mini palace by the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero. The ruling is now scheduled for October 10, 2024.
The plaintiffs, which include the Kano State Government, the Attorney General, and the Kano Emirate Council, are aiming to preserve the palace’s original structure and cultural significance, opposing efforts to modernize it. Emir Bayero is the sole defendant in the case.
During the hearing, the plaintiff’s counsel, Habib Akilu, noted the absence of the defendant’s legal representation.
“The substantive application is ripe for hearing,” Akilu said, before moving 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.
Justice Aboki, in response, set October 10 for ruling on the application. She also ordered that all relevant court processes be posted on the court’s notice board to ensure that all parties are kept informed of the proceedings.
The plaintiffs had earlier secured an interim injunction on September 13, 2024, preventing the Emir from carrying out any renovation work following the release of a proposed prototype plan for the modernization of the palace. The court’s decision came after a motion ex parte was filed by the plaintiffs’ lead counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Rilwanu Umar, on September 12.
In a 33-paragraph affidavit supporting the motion, deposed by the Matawallen Kano, Ibrahim Ahmed, the plaintiffs argued that any changes to the palace would damage its historical value and cultural significance.
“The Nasarawa mini palace is a symbol of our heritage,” said Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed. “Modernisation, especially in the form of the proposed renovations, would erase the architectural essence and historical integrity that this palace stands for.”
The court had previously directed all parties involved to maintain the structural and architectural integrity of the Nasarawa mini palace until a final ruling is made. This order was issued to ensure that no alterations or renovations take place while the case is still pending.