EDOZIE, J.S.C. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This appeal arose from a chieftaincy tussle over the succession to the stool of the Emir of Borgu in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State which stool became vacant following the demise on 3rd February, 2000 of the last incumbent by name Alhaji Musa Mohammed Kigero III. There were many contestants for the vacant stool but the principal candidates are Alhaji Haliru Dantoro a former Senator who is the 1st respondent and Isiyaku Musa Jikantoro, Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Niger State Government, the 1st appellant in these proceedings.
Arrangement to fill the vacant stool was initiated by a letter dated 7th February, 2000 (exhibit NB/2) written by the Commissioner for Local Government (4th appellant) at the instance of the Governor E of Niger State (3rd appellant) directing the Chairman of Borgu Local Government to set in motion within 48 hours from receipt of the letter the machinery for the selection of a successor to the lat…