Buhari Hails Emir of Gwandu’s Supreme Court Victory After 20-Year Legal Battle
Former President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday extended heartfelt congratulations to his longtime friend and military coursemate, Major-General Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, following the Supreme Court’s ruling in his favor in a prolonged dispute over the Gwandu Emirate throne.
The legal battle, which spanned nearly two decades, pitted Emir Iliyasu against deposed Emir Major Haruna Jokolo (retd.), who had contested his 2005 removal by the Kebbi State Government. Jokolo, a former Aide-de-Camp to Buhari during his time as Head of State, had sought reinstatement through the courts, initially winning favorable judgments at the High Court in 2014 and the Court of Appeal in 2016.
However, the Kebbi State Government and Emir Iliyasu appealed the rulings at the Supreme Court, arguing that Jokolo failed to comply with a legal requirement to first submit a formal complaint to the governor as stipulated by Section 5(4) of the Kebbi State Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) Law. On June 4, 2025, the Supreme Court agreed, ruling that the procedural error invalidated the earlier judgments, thereby confirming Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu as the rightful Emir.
In a phone call from London, where he currently resides, Buhari praised the Emir’s perseverance and dedication despite the lengthy legal distraction. “You have always worked for the betterment of your people and the nation, even under difficult circumstances,” he said.
Buhari’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu, released a statement titled ‘In a phone call, ex-president Buhari welcomes stunning SC victory of Emir of Gwandu’, in which Buhari also urged the Emir to continue fostering peace, prosperity, and unity in the Gwandu Emirate and beyond.
“I thank Allah for this victory and pray for your long life and good health,” the former president added.
