Supreme Court Affirms Bashar as Emir of Gwandu, Ending 20-Year Dispute

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has officially affirmed Major General Muhammad Ilyasu Bashar (rtd) as the rightful Emir of Gwandu, bringing an end to a two-decade-long legal and traditional leadership dispute.

The judgment, delivered on June 5, 2025, nullifies the reinstatement efforts of Alhaji Mustapha Jokolo, who was deposed from the throne in 2005.

The ruling came from a five-member panel of the apex court led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji. The court reversed earlier decisions by the Kebbi State High Court and the Court of Appeal, both of which had favored Jokolo’s return to the throne.

In their verdict, the Supreme Court declared that Bashar’s installation as Emir was lawful and valid, effectively concluding the legal contest over the Gwandu Emirate’s leadership.

Alhaji Mustapha Jokolo, who served as the 19th Emir of Gwandu and was a former Aide-De-Camp to General Muhammadu Buhari, had been removed from office in June 2005 by then-Governor Adamu Aliero. The state government justified his removal with allegations of making comments that threatened national security and failing to adequately perform his traditional duties. Following his deposition, Jokolo challenged the legality of the action, claiming due process was not followed under the Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) Law of Kebbi State.

In 2014, a Kebbi State High Court ruled in Jokolo’s favor, declaring his removal unlawful and ordering his reinstatement along with full compensation.

This decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal in 2016, which maintained that the deposition did not comply with statutory procedures, including the requirement to consult the Council of Chiefs.

However, the Kebbi State Government and Emir Bashar filed an appeal at the Supreme Court, contesting the validity of those judgments. In delivering its decision, the Supreme Court ruled that the previous judgments did not adequately account for the legal and traditional implications of reinstating a deposed emir after such a long period.

The court noted that Bashar had occupied the throne continuously for nearly 20 years, with full recognition by the state and the community.

The apex court held that the process, though flawed, did not warrant a reversal of the longstanding leadership in the emirate, especially considering the passage of time and public interest.

The judgment emphasized the need for finality in matters involving traditional rulership to preserve stability and public confidence in traditional institutions.

Following the ruling, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris welcomed the judgment and urged citizens of the state to accept it in good faith.

He called for unity among all stakeholders in the Gwandu Emirate, emphasizing that the state needs peace and cooperation to move forward.

The Gwandu Emirate Council issued a brief statement expressing gratitude to Allah and to the Nigerian judiciary, while encouraging the emirate’s residents to continue supporting the leadership of Emir Bashar.

As of the time of this report, Alhaji Mustapha Jokolo has not made any public statement in response to the Supreme Court ruling