By Kayode Abdulazeez
Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kassim Shettima on Friday led other dignitaries across the country and beyond at the turbaning of the legal icon, Prof Yusuf Ali (SAN ) as Kuliyan Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate.
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), were amongst the dignitaries that graced the event.
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 Kwara State House of Assembly, Engr Yakubu Danladi-Salihu.
Othe dignitaries that graced the event included the Ciroma of Ilorin, Alh 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, Hon. Mashood Mustapha, vice chancellor of the University of Ilorin,Prof. Wahab Egbewole, Dr Wale Babalakin, Prof. Wale Sulaiman, Hajia Muinat Shagaya, Engr. Lanre Sagaya, Engr Yahaya Alapansapa, ex-Kwara grand Khadi, Justice Idris Haroun, founder of Al-Hikmah University, Alh 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, Alh Liadi Tela, Prof. Olu Obafemi, and Air Vice Marshall Ayinla.
The Emir of Ilorin, Alh 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 urged Ali to continue his philanthropical gestures to the community and the people.
He prayed for Vice President Shettima Kassim and other dignitaries that graced the ceremony.
The elated Ali thanked the Emir for the honor 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 that have come from far and near to honor him.
