The Supreme Court on Wednesday reinstated Al-Mustapha Haruna Jokolo as the 19th Emir of Gwandu, concluding a protracted legal battle that has lasted for two decades.

A five-member panel of justices led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji delivered a consolidated judgment in Abuja, ruling in favor of the deposed monarch. The apex court upheld earlier decisions by both the Kebbi State High Court and the Court of Appeal that had ordered Jokolo's reinstatement to the throne.

Background of the Royal Dispute

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

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

The Final Judgment

Before issuing the consolidated judgment affirming Jokolo's right to the throne, the Supreme Court carefully considered four appeals and two cross-appeals related to the case.

Barrister Sylvester Imhanobe represented the reinstated Emir during the proceedings. The Kebbi State Government was represented by Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), while the current Emir, Alhaji Muhammadu Ilyasu-Bashar, had Hussaini Zakariya (SAN) as his legal counsel.

Community Reactions

The landmark ruling has elicited mixed reactions in Birnin Kebbi, with some residents calling for peace and unity following this significant decision that is expected to bring final closure to the royal succession crisis that has divided the Gwandu Emirate since 2005.

With the judgment now delivered, attention will shift to how the state government and traditional institutions will respond to and implement the Supreme Court's ruling.

The ruling is expected to bring final closure to the royal succession crisis that has divided the Gwandu Emirate since 2005.

This case represents one of the most significant rulings on traditional leadership disputes in Nigeria's recent judicial history, potentially setting precedents for similar cases across the country.