The Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered a landmark ruling today in the Gwandu Emirate dispute, upholding Alhaji Muhammad Ilyasu-Bashir as the substantive Emir of Gwandu in Kebbi State.
In a 3-2 split decision led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, the court dismissed the suit by deposed Emir Al-Mustapha Haruna Jokolo, ruling that he failed to serve a mandatory pre-action notice to the Kebbi State Governor, a procedural lapse that nullified the trial court’s jurisdiction. The judgment set aside prior rulings by the Kebbi State High Court in 2014 and the Court of Appeal in 2016, which had ordered Jokolo’s reinstatement, citing his unlawful 2005 deposition by then-Governor Aliero for alleged insubordination.
The 18-year legal battle, involving 10 court hearings, centered on Sections 6 and 7 of Kebbi’s Chiefs Appointment and Deposition Law, requiring fair hearing and consultation with the Council of Chiefs, which Jokolo claimed were breached. The Supreme Court’s verdict, argued by senior counsels including Yakubu Maikyau for the state, restores stability to Gwandu, a 200-year-old emirate overseeing 1.5 million people.
Jokolo’s supporters, 45% of Gwandu’s residents per local surveys, expressed disappointment, alleging political interference, while Bashir’s allies, including 10,000 at a Birnin Kebbi rally, celebrated. The ruling reinforces gubernatorial powers over traditional institutions, with 20 emirate disputes pending nationwide. Kebbi’s government, which spent ₦500 million on the case, plans to strengthen emirate laws, but critics warn of eroded traditional autonomy, as 30% of Nigeria’s 500 emirates face similar conflicts. The decision ends Jokolo’s claim, solidifying Bashir’s 20-year reign.