What the Supreme Court Really Said in the Mustafa Jokolo Case.
By Usman Abdulkadir Taleeki.
On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, the Supreme Court of Nigeria brought an end to a legal journey that began almost two decades ago. The case involved Alhaji Al-Mustapha Haruna Jokolo, the 19th Emir of Gwandu who was deposed in 2005, and the Kebbi State Government. Since the ruling was delivered, there have been various interpretations and assumptions circulating, some of them far from what the court actually decided. This piece is intended to clearly explain what truly happened in the courtroom, based strictly on the facts.
To begin with, the Supreme Court did not reinstate the former Emir. What was at the center of the case was not whether or not Jokolo should return to the throne, but whether the courts had the authority (jurisdiction) to even hear the case in the first place. The Supreme Court ruled that they did not.
According to the Kebbi State Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) Law, before any aggrieved traditional ruler can approach the court, he must first make a formal complaint to the Governor of the state. This is a legal requirement one that Alhaji Jokolo did not fulfill before filing his suit. Based on this, the Supreme Court concluded that the case was filed prematurely and that both the Kebbi State High Court and the Court of Appeal were wrong to have entertained it.
In essence, the case was struck out purely on procedural grounds. The judges did not debate the circumstances of his removal or pass judgment on whether it was right or wrong. Instead, they focused on the legal pathway that ought to have been followed, and since that path wasn’t followed, they nullified all previous rulings, including the one that had earlier ordered his reinstatement.
It’s understandable that a matter involving a royal institution like the Emirate of Gwandu would attract strong emotions and differing opinions. However, it’s also important that we rely on facts, especially when dealing with issues that have legal, traditional, and social significance.
This ruling does not mean one side has won and the other has lost it simply reinforces the importance of following due process, especially in matters governed by law. Whether in royal affairs or civil matters, courts do not only judge based on the merit of a case, but also on whether the right steps were taken to bring the case before them.
As it stands today, there is no legal order for the reinstatement of Alhaji Jokolo, and the matter has been officially laid to rest by the highest court in the land.
For the sake of history and clarity, it is crucial that this verdict is understood in its proper context. It is not a political win or loss. It is a legal closure.
Usman Abdulkadir Taleeki writes from Kebbi State.
E.mail:
usmanragokamba@gmail.com
