The Kebbi State Government has officially congratulated Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar following the Supreme Court's judgment affirming his position as the legitimate Emir of Gwandu. The landmark ruling on Wednesday effectively ends a protracted 20-year legal dispute over the emirate's leadership.

The legal battle began in 2005 when Al-Mustapha Haruna Jokolo was removed from the throne, sparking a contentious succession dispute that has now reached its final resolution at Nigeria's apex court.

Government's Response to the Verdict

In an official statement released by Hon. Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, the state government characterized the judgment as a welcome conclusion to a dispute that had significantly disrupted peace and stability within the emirate.

"The judgment has brought final closure to an impasse that has raised concerns and negatively impacted the harmony required for the emirate to function effectively," the statement emphasized.

The government has urged Emir Bashar to demonstrate magnanimity in victory by extending an olive branch to all members of the royal family, fostering reconciliation and unity within the traditional institution.

Call for Community Reconciliation

Residents of the Gwandu Emirate have been encouraged to accept the Supreme Court's decision as an opportunity for healing and collective progress. The government statement specifically called on citizens to leverage the developmental initiatives implemented under Governor Nasir Idris's administration to drive further growth across the emirate.

This ruling represents a significant moment for traditional institutions in Kebbi State, potentially allowing the emirate to refocus on governance and community development after two decades of leadership uncertainty.

The Supreme Court's decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for the stability of traditional rulership structures not only in Kebbi State but potentially across northern Nigeria, where emirate systems remain influential in local governance and cultural affairs.