Yusuf Ali honoured with Nigerian Muslim Legal Person of the Year award

RENOWNED legal practitioner and Kuliya Ngeri of Ilorin, Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, has emerged Nigerian Muslim Legal Personality of the Year for 2024/2025.

Publisher of Muslim News Nigeria and convener of the Global and Nigerian Muslim Personalities of the Year Awards, Alhaji Rasheed Abubakar, made the announcement in a statement.

Alhaji Abubakar said the award, organised by Muslim News Nigeria, an Islamic newspaper, honours Prof. Ali’s huge, long-standing contributions to the legal and justice sector, both as a practitioner and intellectual.

He said: “Ali is the Principal Partner and Founder of Yusuf Ali & Co. (Ghalib Chambers), a law firm and major employer of young professionals in Nigeria, with offices in Ilorin, Lagos and Abuja.

“A senior advocate with four decades of experience in the legal profession, Ali was appointed Professor of Law Practice by the Federal University of Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), in recognition of his extensive industry experience, scholarly contributions, and standing in law practice.

“Prof. Olaolu Ali is a Life Member of the Body of Benchers and has played pivotal roles in advancing jurisprudence and legal reforms in Nigeria. His notable appointments include sole judge of the Kwara State Local Government Election Petition Tribunal in 1996 and member of the Kwara State Local Government Election Appeal Tribunal in 1997.

“He also chaired the Kwara State Law Reform Committee and has held key leadership roles within the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA).

“As a patron and legal adviser to numerous professional and socio-cultural organisations nationwide, Prof. Olaolu Ali also serves as a member of the Council of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association.

“Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most decorated lawyers, Prof Ali has represented state governments, high-net-worth individuals, and corporate entities in landmark cases across various superior courts, from the High Court to the Supreme Court.”

“The legal scholar has contributed over 17 chapters to various legal books and authored more than 40 articles in reputable journals covering litigation, commercial law, jurisprudence, practice and procedure, and constitutional law.

“In recognition of his outstanding contributions and impact, Prof. Olaolu Ali has received over 100 awards honouring his professionalism, expertise and humanitarian service.”

Alhaji Abubakar stated that Muslim News Nigeria is proud of the remarkable achievements and impactful contributions of Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, recognising him as a worthy ambassador of Islam within the legal profession.

“As a token of appreciation for his dedicated service, scholarship, and expertise, Muslim News Nigeria proudly announces Prof. Yusuf Ali, SAN, as the Nigerian Muslim Legal Personality of the Year 2024/2025. We hope this recognition inspires him to continue making meaningful contributions that uplift Islam and the Muslim community,” he said.

According to Abubakar, Prof. Olaolu Ali holds the chieftaincy title of the first Kuliya Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate, an honour bestowed upon him by Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Emir of Ilorin, in recognition of his legal scholarship and significant contributions to the socio-cultural development of the Ilorin Emirate.