The Supreme Court of Nigeria has scheduled June 6 for its ruling on the long-standing legal battle over the rightful occupant of the Emir of Gwandu stool in Kebbi State, North-West Nigeria.
A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Uwani Aji, fixed the date after hearing final arguments from the legal representatives of the parties involved in the case.
The dispute dates back to 2005, when HRH Alhaji Mustapha Jokolo was deposed as the 19th Emir of Gwandu—a decision he challenged in court.
In 2014, the Kebbi State High Court ruled in his favor, ordering his immediate reinstatement after determining that his removal did not follow due process. However, the Kebbi State Government and his successor appealed the ruling.
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In 2016, the Court of Appeal, Sokoto Division, upheld the lower court’s judgment, stating that the deposition violated sections 6 and 7 of Kebbi State’s Chief Appointment and Deposition Law.
The appellate court ruled that the then-governor failed to investigate the allegations against Jokolo or consult the state’s Council of Chiefs before making his decision.
Despite the court order for his reinstatement, the Kebbi State Government has not complied.
The Supreme Court’s upcoming ruling is expected to bring closure to the decades-long legal battle and determine the rightful Emir of Gwandu.