The Supreme Court on Wednesday delivered a landmark judgment reinstating Al-Mustapha Haruna Jokolo as the 19th Emir of Gwandu, effectively ending a protracted legal battle that has lasted for two decades.

A five-member panel of justices led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji issued a consolidated judgment in Abuja that upheld previous rulings by both the Kebbi State High Court and the Court of Appeal, which had ordered Jokolo's reinstatement to the throne.

Background of the Royal Dispute

Jokolo was controversially removed from the throne in 2005 by the then Kebbi State Government. He immediately challenged his deposition in court, initiating what would become one of Nigeria's longest-running royal succession disputes in recent memory.

The legal tussle reached its conclusion on June 4, 2025, when the Supreme Court moved up its verdict date from the initially scheduled June 6 due to the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir holidays.

Legal Proceedings and Representation

Before delivering its final judgment, the apex court considered four appeals and two cross-appeals related to the case. The reinstated Emir was represented 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.

The Supreme Court's decision is expected to bring final closure to the royal succession crisis that has divided the Gwandu Emirate for nearly two decades.

Community Reactions

The judgment has elicited mixed reactions in Birnin Kebbi, with some residents calling for calm and unity following this significant ruling. The focus now shifts to how the state government and traditional institutions will implement the Supreme Court's decision.

This ruling marks a significant moment in Nigeria's traditional institution history, potentially setting precedents for how disputes involving traditional rulers are resolved within the country's legal framework.

As the dust settles on this long-standing legal battle, observers will be watching closely to see how the transition of power unfolds in the Gwandu Emirate and what implications this might have for other traditional institutions across Nigeria.