The umbrella body of lower-grade traditional rulers in Nigeria, the Forum of Chiefs, has called on Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi to respect the Federal High Court order and give peace a chance.

The Forum said that the court’s decision, delivered on Tuesday, is final and binding. They stressed the importance of prioritising peace and stability in Kano State.

The forum noted that a king cannot reign without the support of the people and that illegally occupying a palace, as Sanusi is doing, is unacceptable anywhere in the world.

They warned that forceful eviction by security agents would be a last resort and urged Sanusi to avoid any actions that may lead to embarrassment, violence, or unrest.

The chiefs further called on Sanusi to lead by example as a former custodian of culture and tradition by respecting the law of the land and vacating the palace.

“The Forum of Chiefs in Nigeria, the umbrella body of lower grade traditional rulers in the country, has urged Sanusi Lamido Sanusi to vacate the palace with immediate effect as ordered by the Federal High Court,” the statement said.

“His insistence on occupying the palace despite the court order is not only a violation of the law of the land but also a mockery of the revered ancient throne of Kano.

“As a former royal father, Sanusi should prioritise the peace of the state above self-aggrandisement. He should also know better than to be an unwilling tool in the hands of desperate politicians on a vendetta.

“As a Muslim, Sanusi should know that it is only God that gives and takes power. He has had his turn as an Emir and should stop trying to sneak back into the palace through the back door. The former Emir should accept the will of God because the will of the people is the will of God and the law is the interpretation of the will of the people.

“Sanusi has made the Kano emirship a laughing stock in the committee of emirates. Already, Kano is on the verge of a breakdown of law and order because he refuses to obey the law. The former Emir should peacefully vacate the palace to protect his family’s legacy and the rich heritage of Kano.

“We hope that he will heed the voice of wisdom and vacate the palace as ordered by the court of law and save Kano from impending anarchy. The people of Kano are already enduring excruciating hardship in the state, and it would be inhumane for Sanusi to deprive them of peace too.

“We call on the police and other relevant security agencies to compel Sanusi to vacate the palace if he continues to flout the court order. Illegally occupying the palace against the will of the people and the rule of law is not acceptable anywhere in the world. The government must take urgent drastic steps to ensure peace and stability in Kano State.

“We urge the peace-loving people of Kano to remain law-abiding despite the provocations from those who are bent on undermining the people and the law of the land. All hands must be on deck to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order in the commercial nerve centre of the North and Nigeria’s most populous state.”