The Supreme Court has reinstated Al-Mustapha Haruna Jokolo as the 19th Emir of Gwandu, bringing an end to a 20-year legal battle.
A five-member panel of justices led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji delivered a consolidated judgment in Abuja, upholding earlier rulings by the Kebbi State High Court and the Court of Appeal.
Recall Jokolo was removed from the throne in 2005 under controversial circumstances and immediately challenged his removal in court, sparking one of the longest-running royal succession disputes in the country’s recent history.
The Supreme Court considered four appeals and two cross-appeals before issuing a consolidated judgment that affirmed Jokolo’s right to the throne.
The ruling is expected to bring final closure to the royal succession crisis that has divided the Gwandu Emirate since 2005.
The judgment was delivered on June 4, 2025, a date moved up from the initially scheduled June 6 due to the Eid-el-Kabir holidays.
Mixed reactions have trailed the development in Birnin Kebbi, with some residents calling for calm and unity following the landmark decision.