Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara and Babagana Zulum of Borno, alongside other top dignitaries, on Friday graced the turbaning ceremony of legal luminary, Professor Yusuf Ali (SAN), as the Kuliyan Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate.
The event, held at the Emir’s palace in Ilorin, attracted eminent personalities from across Nigeria, including the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); former Kano State Governor, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola; and several other political, legal, academic and religious leaders.
Governor AbdulRazaq, represented by the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, played host to the Vice President and other distinguished guests.
In his address, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, commended Yusuf Ali for his enduring commitment to the development of the Emirate and described him as a worthy son of the soil.
“Your hard work has earned you the title. You fought for the Emirate. For almost 20 years, you spent your wealth, energy, and time for the development of Ilorin Emirate. This is why we recognise your effort,” the Emir said.
He continued, “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 also urged the new titleholder to continue his philanthropic efforts and maintain his service to the people.
In an emotionally charged response, Professor Yusuf Ali (SAN) expressed deep gratitude to the Emir and all who honoured him with their presence.
“I am overwhelmed by the presence of the Vice President and members of his entourage and all the eminent personalities that have come from far and near to honour me,” he said.
“I thank the Emir for the honour done me and assure him of my continued support for Ilorin Emirate,” Ali added.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Ciroma of Ilorin, Alhaji Abubakar Bature Sulu-Gambari; Mutawali of Ilorin, Dr. Alimi AbdulRazaq; Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole; founder of Al-Hikmah University, Alhaji AbdulRaheem Oladimeji; former Grand Khadi of Kwara, Justice Idris Haroun; and the Mufti of Ilorin, Sheikh Faruq Onikijipa.
Others included Professor Wale Sulaiman, Professor Obafemi, Dr. Wale Babalakin, Barr. Salman Adelodun (SAN), Barr. Kehinde Eleja (SAN), Professor AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, Federal Permanent Secretary Dr. Shuaib Belgore, Air Vice Marshall Ayinla (rtd), Hajia Muinat Shagaya, Alhaji Kamoru Yusuf of KAM Holdings, Engr. Lanre Sagaya, Engr. Yahaya Alapansapa, and Alhaji Liadi Tela, among many others.
The turbaning marks a recognition of Professor Ali’s decades-long contributions to law, education, and community service in Ilorin and beyond.
