Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has asserted that Kano State must recognize only one emir, as determined by the Court of Appeal. He emphasized that the 16th Emir of Kano has established his position despite facing various challenges. Falana made these remarks during the 21st Memorial Lecture of Chief Gani Fawehinmi in Lagos, which has since gained significant attention through a viral video.
In his address, Falana congratulated the emir on his victory in the Court of Appeal, highlighting the importance of acknowledging legal truths among legal professionals. He noted that while the emir’s opponents plan to appeal to the Supreme Court, the legal standing is clear, and he urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to take action.
Falana explained that the law has clarified that matters concerning traditional institutions do not fall under fundamental rights issues. Therefore, traditional rulers cannot claim to enforce their fundamental rights in court. He also pointed out that the Federal High Court lacks jurisdiction over chieftaincy matters. Falana expressed concern that some legal practitioners may be misleading their clients, which is contributing to ongoing issues in the country. He called on the NBA to intervene and address these misleading practices.
In conclusion, Falana reaffirmed that regardless of any further legal challenges, the 16th Emir of Kano has come to stay. He insisted that there can only be one emir in Kano, just as there cannot be two speakers in Rivers State, urging an end to the prevailing confusion.
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