The Kebbi State High Court has ordered that the Emir of Gwandu, Mustapha Jokolo, who was deposed in 2005 by the Kebbi State Government should be reinstated to his stool.
Jokolo, the 19th Emir of Gwandu, was removed by then state governor, Adamu Aliero, on claims that he was making “reckless statements” capable of threatening national security.
He was reportedly banished to Lafia but on Thursday, Justice Abbas Ahman ruled that the deposition was a violation of the rule of law.
The judge declared as null and void the appointment of Muhammad Iliyasu, the 20th Emir of Gwandu, and ordered Jokolo’s immediate reinstatement.
The court’s decision elicited jubilation around Birnin Kebbi metropolis as well as in Gwandu town.
In their reaction, the Kebbi State government said it would challenge the decision of the high court.
According to Aminu Usman, permanent secretary at the Kebbi State Ministry of Justice, the state government would study the court’s decision and would be ready to go as far as the Supreme Court.
Jokolo, the Aide De Camp (ADC) to former Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari, in 1983, ascended the throne of Gwandu Emirate in 1995 after the death of his father.
Ten years later, Governor Aliero removed Jokolo over several allegations including abandoning his throne for Kaduna and at one time relocating to Kaduna with his family.
Mohammed Ambursa, the Information Commissioner in the state, had justified Jokolo’s deposition adding that the governor acted based on the powers conferred on him by section six of the Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) law of the state.
Ambursa had said that the deposed Emir’s character was seen as complex rather than the simplicity expected of his status.
“In addition, he was said to be having high disregard and disrespect for constituted authority as represented by his travelling outside his domain without official permission from the state and or local governments,” Ambursa had added.
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