By Saliu Woru Mohammed
Recently, to be précised November 11, 2021, the 11th Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu Gambari (CFR), Chairman Kwara State Council of Emirs and Chiefs clocks 26 years on the throne of his ancestors (The great Alimi Dynasty).
It gladdens our hearts that since his assumption of the throne of his forefather in Ilorin, he has so far proves to be not only a great and progressive monarch but the best, the state had ever had. His coming on the throne has brought so much desired human, infrastructural and political development to Ilorin Emirate in particular and Kwara State as a whole.
26 years on the throne, Emir Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, remains a man of iconic reputation, a jurist of all jurists and indeed Emir of Emirs, symbol of peace and tranquility, a friend of the rich, the poor as well as the government. It is worth mentioning that since his tenure, 4 illustrious Sons of the Emirate, the late Governor Mohammed Lawal, former Senate President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki CON the Waziri of Ilorin and the incumbent Governor of Kwara State Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq became the State Chief Executives of Kwara State, including the immediate past Governor Alhaji AbdulFattah Ahmed all who has proved to be good ambassador at the state and beyond through their excellent performances and good governance.
This great Royal Father, Emir Ibrahim’s tenure continues to witness elevation of sons and daughters of the Emirate to the high ranking positions both in the state and federal level, viz office of the Chief Justice of the federation, Senate President, Ambassadors, Office of Chief of Staff in the state and federal level, including offices of high ranking Permanent Secretaries and Director Generals.
Sulu Gambari, though a true Muslim par excellence, does not discriminate against any religious faith; hence, he is a messenger of peace and indeed a true patriotic Nigerian.
So far, Emir Ibrahim Gambari has make a niche for himself by Single handedly turning the ancient Palace into an edifice not only by increasing the number of chalet but by increasing the number of Palace Chamber to 5, hence some people refer to him as a developer.
His philanthropic gesture is worthy of commendation as he caters for the widows, orphans, the weak and the poor. It is also to a trending that Ilorin Emirate can now boast of having a befitting Juma’at Central Mosque one of the best in Nigeria and beyond.
The Emir Dr. Ibrahim Sulu Gambari has also made his impact felt on the promotion of Education in Nigeria. Apart from his Scholarship scheme where the beneficiaries are students of both secondary and tertiary institutions at home and abroad, he had rendered various financial assistance to numerous post-primary institutions in Nigeria.
The celebrant is popularly known to be a rare gem because he renders various commendable assistance to various people regardless of their religious inclinations and geographical location. The kind of special moral and financial assistance he renders to Ilorin community as an individual and on different vital community projects are very unique, unquantifiable, and worthy of commendation.
The Emir Ibrahim Sulu Gambari is a unique Royal Father, his father Shehu Ibrahim Sulu Gambari was the 9th Emir of Ilorin while his marternal Grandfather, Shehu Abdulkadir was the 8th Emir of Ilorin of the blessed memory.
What fascinates me most about the celebrant is his non discriminatory attitude and ability to interact with most of his betrayers who come to him for assistance which he always render with delight, hence, he is a man of large heart and forgiveness.
He was born great and he works heard to retain greatness. In view of the above, let us Continue to cooperate fully with Our Emir by emulating his virtues of hard work, humility, perseverance and kindness.
Long live our Royal Father, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu Gambari (CFR) many happy return.
*Mohammed is the Mogaji Nda of Ilorin, Zana of Okuta Emirate and Otun Agba-Akin of Share Land.
