The Supreme Court has officially reinstated Al-Mustapha Haruna Jokolo as the 19th Emir of Gwandu, ending a legal battle that has stretched for two decades.
Delivering a consolidated judgment on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Abuja, a five-member panel of justices led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji ruled in favour of the deposed monarch. The apex court upheld earlier decisions by both the Kebbi State High Court and the Court of Appeal, which had ordered Jokolo’s reinstatement.
Jokolo, who was removed from the throne in 2005 under controversial circumstances by the then Kebbi State Government, filed a legal challenge that has become one of the longest-running royal succession disputes in Nigeria’s modern history.
Originally scheduled for June 6, the ruling date was brought forward to accommodate the Eid-el-Kabir holidays.
The Supreme Court reviewed four appeals and two cross-appeals, ultimately issuing a unified verdict affirming Jokolo’s legal and traditional right to the Gwandu Emirate throne.
Barrister Sylvester Imhanobe represented Jokolo, while Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) and Hussaini Zakariya (SAN) appeared on behalf of the Kebbi State Government and the current Emir, Alhaji Muhammadu Ilyasu-Bashar, respectively.
The historic verdict is expected to bring final closure to the long-standing crisis that has divided the Gwandu Emirate since 2005. However, the decision has sparked mixed reactions in Birnin Kebbi, with local leaders and residents urging calm, unity, and respect for the rule of law.
All eyes now turn to how the state government and traditional institutions will implement the Supreme Court’s binding decision.