By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has stated that Kano State must have only one king, following the Court of Appeal’s affirmation of this stance.
He noted that despite opposition from some quarters, the 16th Emir of Kano remains firmly in his position.
Falana made the statement during the 21st memorial of Chief Gani Fawehinmi, held in Lagos.
He was quoted as saying, “However, as lawyers, when we gather, we must speak the truth. Your Majesty, we congratulate you on your victory in the Court of Appeal.
“Opponents of your rule have claimed they will take the matter to the Supreme Court, but as a lawyer, I am confident that the law has already clarified that traditional matters are not within the realm of human rights. Therefore, one cannot claim human rights as the reason for challenging a traditional title.
“Additionally, the court has clarified that the federal courts do not have jurisdiction over traditional matters. Thus, if some of our colleagues are deceiving their clients and causing confusion in the country, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has the right to intervene and caution them.
“Your Majesty, wherever they may go – to the Supreme Court or elsewhere – remain steadfast in your position. We must have only one king in Kano. We cannot have two Emirs in Kano, nor two monarchs in Rivers State. This confusion must end.”