The Supreme Court has rescheduled its judgment on the long-running Gwandu Emirate succession dispute to Wednesday, June 4, 2025, two days earlier than initially planned due to the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir holidays.

The apex court will deliver its verdict on whether Al-Mustapha Haruna-Jokolo should be reinstated as the 19th Emir of Gwandu, potentially ending a royal tussle that has persisted for nearly two decades.

A five-member panel of justices led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji had reserved judgment for June 6 after hearing final arguments from all parties on March 11. The date was moved forward following the federal government's declaration of public holidays for Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

Background of the Royal Dispute

The legal battle began after Haruna-Jokolo was controversially deposed in 2005. He subsequently initiated legal proceedings against the Kebbi State Government, seeking reinstatement to the throne.

In 2014, the Kebbi State High Court ruled in favor of the deposed Emir, ordering his reinstatement. This decision was later upheld by the Court of Appeal in Sokoto in 2016.

Dissatisfied with these rulings, the Kebbi State Government and the current Emir, Alhaji Muhammadu Ilyasu-Bashar, approached the Supreme Court. They argue that the case was wrongly filed at the State High Court and should be considered null and void.

Legal Representation and Pending Appeals

The Supreme Court is currently reviewing four appeals and two cross-appeals related to the matter. A single consolidated judgment is expected to address all legal issues raised by the parties.

Barrister Sylvester Imhanobe represents the deposed Emir, while the Kebbi State Government and the current Emir are represented by Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) and Hussaini Zakariya (SAN), respectively.

As the judgment date approaches, residents of Birnin Kebbi have expressed mixed reactions to the impending decision. Many have called for a peaceful resolution regardless of the outcome, emphasizing the need to maintain the prevailing calm in the state.

The Supreme Court's ruling is expected to finally bring closure to the two-decade-old royal succession crisis that has divided opinion within the Gwandu Emirate and across Kebbi State.