Emir of Ilorin, Saraki Laud Kuliyan Ngeri of Ilorin, Ali for Humanitarian Support to Society 

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin 

Chairman, Kwara State Traditional Council of Chiefs and Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari andformer Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday, praised an Ilorin-based legal luminary and Kuliya Ngeri of Ilorin, Mallam Yusuf Olaolu Ali, (SAN), for using his wealth to support the less privileged people in the society.

The monarch and former governor of Kwara State made this commendation in Ilorin on Thursday at a public presentation and book launch and unveiling of the Kuliya Ngeri of Ilorin, Mallam Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN).

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, last year inducted on legal luminary Mallam Ali, Osun indigene, as the Kuliya Ngari of Ilorin.

The book entitled: Kuliya Ngeri of Ilorin: A life of Purpose, was written by ex-chairman, Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Abiodun AbdulKareem.

The emir represented by Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, Dr. Usman Atolagbe Jos, said the honoree had been very kind to the people of Ilorin.

Alhaji Sulu-Gambari said, “He (Ali) has been so useful to both Muslims and Christians in Ilorin. Because as he is embarking on his kind gestures in his office, we are getting the feedbacks in the palace.

 “We appreciate him and pray that God Almighty will be his guide and continue to give him long life.”

In his own remarks at the event, Dr. Saraki, represented by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Prof. Ali Ahmad, said that instead of the senior lawyer enjoying his resources, he elects to use it on people.

Saraki said: “Students, young ones if you find yourselves been mentored by Yusuf Ali count yourselves lucky to be mentees not only in monetary aspect but in association. 

“What is curious about him is that he is not the richest lawyer in Ilorin, Kwara State and Nigeria by extension. But he will not stop sparing a thought for others.”

Also speaking, the honoree’s associate Adebayo Adelodun (SAN) landed the legendary generosity of his colleagues, mentees, institutions and individuals.

“He is somebody I have interacted with at close quarters. He lives a life of purpose, a life of dignity and a life of discipline. His middle name is generosity. Generosity of spirit and purse,” Adelodun said.

In his remarks, one of his mentees Kehinde Eleja, (SAN), said the honoree taught him the ABC of law practice, adding he is “a mentor, supporter and carer. 

He said, “Somebody I can rightly refer to as my father. Mallam Yusuf Ali has not only taught me how to catch fish, up till now he still assists me in catching fish. 

“He still treats me like a baby. That is something that is very unusual.”

In his response, Mallam Ali said he would not take credit for his humanitarianism, rather he ascribed all to Allah.

 “Any occasion that people talk about me I get a bit confused and troubled, because nobody can make himself.

“It is only God that has counted me a kind-hearted person in the contemplation of human beings. I therefore count myself very, very lucky”.