Amid pomp and pageantry, a foremost legal luminary, Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN), was on Friday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, turbaned as the First Kuliya of Ilorin Emirate by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.
Dignitaries that graced the epoch-making event included Vice President Kashim Shettima, Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Barr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
Governor AbdulRazaq, who played host to Shettima and other eminent personalities that graced the ceremony at the Emir’s palace, was represented by the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Engr Yakubu Danladi-Salihu.
Other dignitaries included the Ciroma of Ilorin, Alhaji Abubakar Bature Sulu-Gambari, Minister of Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, former Governor of Kano State, Mal. Ibrahim Shekarau, the Mutawali of Ilorin, Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, Dr. Wale Babalakin, Prof. Wale Sulaiman, Hajia Muinat Shagaya, Group Managing Director of KAM Holdings Ltd, Alhaji Kamoru Yusuf, Engr. Lanre Sagaya, Engr Yahaya Alapansapa, ex- Kwara Grand Khadi, Justice Idris Haroun, Founder of Al-Hikmah University, Alhaji AbdulRaheem Oladimeji, Federal Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, Prof. AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, Barr. Salman Adelodun (SAN), Barr. Kehinde Eleja (SAN), Mufti of Ilorin, Sheikh Faruq Onikijipa, Alhaji Liadi Tela, Prof. Olu Obafemi and Air Vice Marshall Ayinla.
Speaking at the occasion, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, poured encomiums on the honoree, Prof. Yusuf Ali (SAN), describing him as a worthy partner.
“Your hard work has earned you the title. You fought for the Emirate. For almost 20 years, you spent your wealth, energy, time for the development of Ilorin Emirate. This is why we recognise your effort. You stood with us when the going was tough. We will not forget you in the Emirate. We shall relate this message to our unborn children. From this moment, you have become the Emir ‘s number one legal adviser, ” the Emir said.
Sulu-Gambari, who urged Ali to continue his philanthropic gestures to the community and the people, also prayed for Vice President Shettima Kashim and other dignitaries that graced the ceremony.
The elated Ali thanked the Emir for the honour done him, assuring him of his continued support for Ilorin Emirate.
He said he was overwhelmed by the presence of the Vice President and members of his entourage, and all the eminent personalities who had come from far and near to honour him.
