By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court has rendered a definitive verdict, upholding the appeals of the current Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Ilyasu-Bashar, and the Kebbi State Government, thereby affirming Alhaji Muhammadu Ilyasu-Bashar as the substantive Emir of Gwandu.

The judgment, delivered by a five-member panel of justices led by Hon. Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, constitutes a split decision. Three justices concurred with the arguments canvassed by the counsels to Alhaji Muhammadu Ilyasu-Bashar and the Kebbi State Government, while two justices dissented, aligning with the counsel to Al-Mustapha Haruna-Jokolo.

The judgment Is expected to bring a conclusive end to the 20-year-old dispute over the Gwandu Emirate throne. The outcome has elicited mixed reactions, with some residents expressing relief that the matter has finally been resolved. “The judgment is a significant development in the history of the Gwandu Emirate,” a resident observed.

The full details of the judgment will be reported by our correspondent later. However, it has been gathered that the Supreme Court’s decision has brought a sense of closure to the long-standing dispute.

The Supreme Court's judgment marks a new chapter in the history of the Gwandu Emirate. As the people of Gwandu and beyond come to terms with the outcome, one thing is certain – the dispute that had lingered for 20 years has finally been laid to rest.