Supreme Court Affirms Muhammadu Bashir as Emir of Gwandu

…Jokolo’s reinstatement nullified over lack of jurisdiction

The Supreme Court has affirmed Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashir as the rightful Emir of Gwandu in Kebbi State, bringing an end to a long-drawn legal battle that has spanned nearly two decades.

In a unanimous judgment, the apex court overturned earlier decisions of the Kebbi State High Court and the Court of Appeal, which had favoured the deposed Emir, Alhaji Mustapha Jokolo. The Supreme Court ruled that both lower courts lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter, citing procedural lapses.

Justice Helen Ogunwumiju, who delivered the lead judgment, held that Jokolo failed to comply with a critical legal requirement by not obtaining pre-trial consent from the Kebbi State Government before instituting the suit. This procedural omission, the court said, rendered the entire trial a nullity.

The apex court consequently upheld the appeals filed by the Kebbi State Government and the current Emir, Muhammadu Bashir, stressing that the failure of the respondent to fulfil the condition precedent robbed the lower courts of the power to adjudicate the case.

The ruling effectively solidifies Bashir’s position as the substantive Emir of Gwandu and puts to rest the legal tussle that began in 2005 following Jokolo’s removal from office.