Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governors Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and Babagana Zulum of Kwara and Borno respectively, and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), were among the dignitaries who attended the turbaning ceremony of the legal icon, Professor Yusuf Ali (SAN), as Kuliya Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate on Friday.
Governor Abdulrazaq, who hosted Shettima and other eminent personalities at the Emir’s palace in Ilorin, was represented by the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Engineer Yakubu Danladi-Salihu.
Other dignitaries present at the event included the Ciroma of Ilorin, Alhaji Abubakar Bature Sulu-Gambari; Minister of Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola; former Governor of Kano State, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau; the Mutawali of Ilorin, Dr Alimi Abdulrazaq; Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole; Dr Wale Babalakin; Professor Wale Sulaiman; Hajia Muinat Shagaya; Engineer Lanre Sagaya; Engineer Yahaya Alapansapa; ex-Kwara Grand Khadi, Justice Idris Haroun; founder of Al-Hikmah University, Alhaji Abdulraheem Oladimeji; Federal Permanent Secretary, Dr Shuaib Belgore; Professor Abdulrasheed Na’Allah; Barrister Salman Adelodun (SAN); Barrister Kehinde Eleja (SAN); Mufti of Ilorin, Sheikh Faruq Onikijipa; Alhaji Liad Tella; Professor Olu Obafemi; and Air Vice Marshal Ayinla, among others.
The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, poured encomiums on the honouree, Professor 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, and time on 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 also urged Ali to continue his philanthropic gestures towards the community and its people.
He prayed for Vice President Shettima and other dignitaries who attended the ceremony.
The elated Ali thanked the Emir for the honour bestowed upon him, assuring him of his continued support for the Ilorin Emirate.
He expressed his overwhelming gratitude for the presence of the Vice President, members of his entourage, and all the eminent personalities who had travelled from far and near to honour him.
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