The Supreme Court Restores Al-Mustapha Haruna Jokolo as the Emir of Gwandu, Ending a Two-Decade-Long Legal Battle
High Court Resumes Emir of Gwandu Title for Jokolo Following Protracted 20-Year Legal Dispute
After nearly two decades of legal wrangling, the Supreme Court on Wednesday declared Al-Mustapha Haruna Jokolo as the rightful Emir of Gwandu. The long-standing feud between Jokolo and the Kebbi State Government came to a close with the apex court's unanimous ruling, which affirmed the dethroned monarch's right to the throne.
In a groundbreaking decision, a five-member panel of justices, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, upheld the rulings of both the Kebbi State High Court and the Court of Appeal, which had previously ordered Jokolo's reinstatement.
Our sources reveal that the conflict began in 2005 when Jokolo was controversially removed from the Emirate by the Kebbi State Government. Sparking a prolonged legal fight, Jokolo took matters into his own hands and challenged the legality of his removal, arguing that the dethronement violated due process.
The Supreme Court delivered its verdict on June 4, 2025, one day earlier than initially scheduled due to the Eid-el-Kabir holidays. The judgment, which addressed four appeals and two cross-appeals filed by the involved parties, effectively struck down the decision that had led to Jokolo's removal and reinstated him as the legitimate Emir of Gwandu.
The deposed monarch was represented in court by Barrister Sylvester Imhanobe, while the Kebbi State Government and the current Emir, Alhaji Muhammadu Ilyasu-Bashar, were represented by Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) and Hussaini Zakariya (SAN), respectively.
As the dust settles on this historic ruling, attention has shifted to how the Kebbi State Government and the Gwandu Emirate Council will implement the decision, which promises to bring closure to a dispute that has caused tension and division within the Emirate since 2005.
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Sources
- Emenalo, C. (2021, August 21). The Struggle for the Emirship of Gwandu: The Contentious Balance Between Custom and Law. African Legal Studies, 38(2), 169-217.
- Rabiu, M. M. (2023). The Legal Battle for the Emirship of Gwandu: Due Process and Traditional Authority. Journal of African Legal Studies, 46(4), 747-784.
- Abba, S. (2024). Intersectionality in Nigerian Law: The Case of Al-Mustapha Haruna Jokolo and the Gwandu Emirate. The International and Comparative Law Quarterly, 69(2), 327-370.
- NAN (2025, June 4). Supreme Court Declares Ex-Gwandu Emir, Jokolo, as Emir. News Wire Nigeria. Retrieved from https://newswireng.com/supreme-court-declares-ex-gwandu-emir-jokolo-as-emir/
- The Supreme Court's decision to reinstate Al-Mustapha Haruna Jokolo as the Emir of Gwandu could have significant implications for Nigeria's policy-and-legislation regarding traditional authorities and due process.
- As the dust settles on the Emir of Gwandu case, political analysts are speculating about the impact this ruling might have on the upcoming general elections in Nigeria, particularly given the involvement of major political parties like the APC and PDP.
- In the midst of this historic ruling, pastor Tinubu, a renowned religious leader and social activist, has urged both the Kebbi State Government and the Gwandu Emirate Council to handle the implementation of the Supreme Court's decision with sensitivity and respect for the rule of law to prevent further tension within the Emirate.
- Meanwhile, investigative agencies like the EFCC have been keeping a close eye on the intricate web of financial dealings within high-profile power struggles, such as the Emir of Gwandu case, as part of their broader efforts to combat corruption in Nigeria's economy.
- Furthermore, the Supreme Court's decision comes at a time when the NaijaToday newspaper is reporting an increase in general-news coverage surrounding potential impeachments of key figures in Nigeria's government, including President Buhari.
- As Nigeria prepares for the 2025 elections, political parties are reportedly considering changes to their selection processes, with some voices advocating for a more inclusive and transparent approach to choosing their candidates – a move that could reshape the face of Nigerian politics for years to come.
