Former President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Emir of Gwandu, Major-General Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, following his victory at the Supreme Court in a legal battle that spanned two decades.
The congratulatory message was conveyed in a telephone call from London, where the former president is currently residing.
A statement on Thursday by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, said Buhari, who described the outcome as a “stunning victory,” praised the Emir for his perseverance throughout the prolonged legal challenge mounted by deposed Emir, Major Haruna Jokolo (Rtd).
“You have always worked for the betterment of your people and the nation, even under those circumstances. I hope you will continue to promote peace, happiness, and prosperity of the people in Gwandu Emirate and beyond,” said Buhari.
The Supreme Court ruling, which marks the end of a 20-year dispute over the Gwandu throne, has been widely regarded as a decisive resolution to one of Nigeria’s most prolonged traditional leadership cases.
In the phone call, Buhari also expressed his gratitude to God for the outcome. “I thank Allah for this victory and pray for your long life and good health,” he told Emir Muhammadu Iliyasu.
The legal dispute began following the deposition of Major Haruna Jokolo by the Kebbi State government in 2005 and the subsequent appointment of Major-General Bashar as Emir.
Jokolo challenged the legitimacy of the new appointment, leading to a protracted litigation process that only concluded this year.
Major-General Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, a retired senior military officer and respected traditional leader, has continued to serve as Emir throughout the legal proceedings.
The Gwandu Emirate, one of the oldest and most historically significant traditional institutions in northern Nigeria, holds a prominent place in the cultural and religious life of the region.
