Court reinstates monarch dethroned by ex-governor El-Rufai
Justice Bashir Attahiru Alkali of the National Industrial Court in Kaduna Monday overturned the dethronement of Chief Jonathan Pharaguwa Zamuna, the Paramount Monarch of Piriga Chiefdom and Lere Local Government.
Former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai on May 22, 2023, announced the deposition of the rulers of Piriga Chiefdom and Arak Chiefdom in the Sanga Council region.
However, Chief Zamuna challenged the decision at the National Industrial Court, requesting that his dethronement be set aside due to a lack of fair hearing.
The Court in its judgement, held that the former Kaduna State administration led by ex-governor El-Rufai did not follow due process in dethroning the traditional ruler and therefore, declared the action illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.
The court ordered that Chief Zamuna be reinstated with all salaries paid and privileges restored. It also ordered the Kaduna State Government to pay Chief Zamuna N10 million in damages for violating his fundamental rights, with a 30-day deadline.
