The Kaduna State High Court sitting in Dogarawa, Zaria yesterday fixed November 2 for the determination of a motion asking it to stop the presentation of the staff of office to the new emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli.
The court, under Justice Kabir Dabo, heard that some of the defendants were not served, hence the decision to adjourn.
The new emir is scheduled to receive the staff of office on November 9 after his formal appointment by the state governor, Nasir el-Rufai.
However, the Iyan Zazzau, Alhaji Bashar Aminu, who reportedly emerged as first among the three contenders initially presented to the state governor by Zazzau kingmakers, is challenging the appointment of Ambassador Bamalli.
He argued that the governor’s action to ignore the recommendation of the kingmakers violated Zazzau Native Law and Custom, noting that Ambassador Bamalli was not among the three contenders recommended by the kingmakers.
However, El-Rufai ordered the jettisoning of the first recommendation and directed for fresh selection process in which the new emir’s name was included.
The other two contenders initially recommended by the kingmakers are Alhaji Munir Jafaru, Yariman Zazzau, and Alhaji Aminu Shehu Idris, Turakin Zazzau.
After yesterday’s sitting, counsel to Iyan Zazzau, Ustaz Yunus (SAN), said they have filed a motion requesting the court to restrain the governor from swearing-in or giving staff of office “to the person he appointed as emir.”
He added: “Unfortunately, the state defence team said there are some people they have not served with their own papers and because of that they asked for another adjournment to serve them. That is not something we can oppose, because the parties have to be served.
“Meanwhile, the court has already made an order that nobody should do anything in respect of the emir’s stool until that motion we filed is heard. That is the position as at today (Tuesday).”
Newsmen report that two of the defendants, who are members of the council of kingmakers, appeared in person, but did not make any comment. They are Fagachin Zazzau, Alhaji Umar Muhammad and Makama Karami Zazzau, Alhaji Muhammad Abbas.