The Kano State High Court, presided over by Chief Judge Justice Dije Aboki, has adjourned its ruling on a case involving the renovation of the historic Nasarawa mini palace by the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.
The court has scheduled October 10, 2024, for the ruling.
The plaintiffs in the case, which include the Kano State Government, the Attorney General of Kano, and the Kano Emirate Council, are seeking to prevent renovations to the palace, aiming to preserve its structure and cultural heritage. They oppose the modernization efforts and have named Emir Bayero as the sole defendant.
During the hearing, the plaintiffs’ counsel, Habib Akilu, noted the absence of the Emir’s legal team and called for an interlocutory injunction to stop any reconstruction or alteration of the palace until the court reaches a final decision.
Akilu stated, “The substantive application is ripe for hearing,” and urged the court to prevent any changes to the palace. Justice Aboki, in response, set October 10 for the ruling and ordered that all relevant court processes be displayed on the court’s notice board to keep all parties informed.
Previously, on September 13, 2024, the court had granted an interim injunction stopping the Emir from making any changes to the palace after a motion ex parte was filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Rilwanu Umar, on behalf of the plaintiffs.
In the motion, the plaintiffs argued that the proposed renovations would harm the historical and cultural significance of the palace.
“The Nasarawa mini palace is a symbol of our heritage,” said Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed, the Matawallen Kano, in a 33-paragraph affidavit supporting the motion. “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 ordered all parties to maintain the palace’s structural and architectural integrity until a final judgment is delivered.
