Kano State Can Only Have One Emir, Says Femi Falana

Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has reaffirmed that Kano State can only have one emir, as upheld by the Court of Appeal. Falana’s statement came during the 21st Memorial Lecture of Chief Gani Fawehinmi in Lagos, where he congratulated the 16th Emir of Kano on his victory in the Court of Appeal.

Falana emphasized that the law is clear: traditional institutions are not fundamental right matters, and federal high courts have no jurisdiction in chieftaincy matters. He urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to intervene and call colleagues to order, as some lawyers are allegedly deceiving clients and causing problems in the country.

Despite potential appeals to the Supreme Court, Falana asserted that the Emir of Kano has come to stay, and Kano State cannot have two emirs. He also drew parallels with the situation in Rivers State, where there cannot be two speakers. Falana’s statement aims to bring clarity and finality to the matter, emphasizing that “this confusion must stop.”