Alhaji Sulu-Gambari: The People’s Emir @ 85
Emir Sulu-Gambari at 85:
“What I requested from Allah immediately I sat on the throne as Emir of Ilorin”
By:
Arowona Abdulazeez
April 21, 2025
On Tuesday (tomorrow) April 22nd 2025, the erstwhile Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, His Lordship Hon. Justice Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari (rtd) will (Insha Allah) clock 85 years old.
His ascension to the exalted throne as the 11th Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council is one of the greatest kindness that Almighty Allah has ever done to the people of the ancient city of Ilorin, Kwara State and humanity in general.
Now, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, the Emir of Ilorin is one of the direct descendant of the popular and highly revered Islamic scholar, Shehu Salih Alimi Ibn Janta, one the flag- bearer of the 1804 Usmaniyah jihad which led to the creation and annexation of Emirate system of traditional administration as well as propagation of Islam across the nation.
Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari wearing black cap as a youngman in the late 1965s
Born on Monday 22nd April 1940, by late Hajia Aishat Sulu-Gambari, grand daughter of the late 7th Emir of Ilorin, Shehu Shuaibu Bawa-Allah dan Zubairu (1915 – 1919), daughter of the late 8th Emir of Ilorin, Shehu AbdulKadir Dan Bawa-Allah (1919 -1959) wife of the late 9th Emir of Ilorin, Shehu Zuluqarnaini Gambari CFR, (1959-1992) and sister of the late 10th Emir of Ilorin, Shehu Aliyu AbdulKadir (1992-1995).
In addition to her intimidating profile as a unique personality that she was during her lifetime and even afterward, the Emir’s late mother was also the elder sister to Hajia Maryam Ado Bayero, the late mother of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Aminu Ado-Bayero CFR and His Royal Highness, Alhaji Nasiru Ado-Bayero OFR among other notable extended family members globally.
The uniqueness of Emir Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari can be percieved from the personalities of his parents because he is the only serving traditional ruler (or even ever) with only one person as his both paternal and maternal great-grandfather i.e Shehu Shuaibu Bawa-Allah dan Zubairu who reigned from 1915 to 1919.
Young Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari was one of the most cherished and admired Princes by everyone during his childhood and he was known for his brilliance, dedication and steadfastness to both Western and Quranic educations.
During his graduation at the University of London.
He started his early school at the Native Authority School in 1953 finishing in 1956, then he moved to Offa Grammar School and finished in 1960 later in 1961 to 1962 he studied in Oakham Schools England and City Westminster College and finished in 1963 and moved to Middle Temple School from 1964 to 1967 and in 1966, he attended the prestigious University of London up to 1969 then Nigeria Law School in 1969 and by this time, he had already bagged LLB, B.L., LLM from University of London.
During his Call To The Bar
He had his pupillage in the chambers of the legendary nationalist, Chief H. O. Davies, QC/SAN, for a year before he joined the service of the then North-Eastern State of Nigeria as a State Counsel in 1969 and by January 1975, he had rose to the rank of a Principal State Counsel Grade I.
On March 16, 1976, he was appointed as the pioneer Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, old Gongola State. Justice Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari was on 1st January 1977, announced as the Ag. Judge of the High Court of Bauchi, Borno and Gongola States.
His Lordship Hon. Justice Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari PJCA
Furthermore, in January, 1983, he was appointed a Justice of the Court of Appeal and was posted to the Ibadan Division where he served for eight years. As a global citizen, His Lordship Hon. Justice Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari JCA, as popularly called made remarkable impacts during his service years in Ibadan and established quality friendship with both indigenes and residents of the largest city in Western Africa, including serving Military and Entrepreneurs who later became his life-long friends.
He became the Ciroma of Ilorin in 1984 and prominent global citizens stormed Ilorin to witness his turbaning ceremony including one of his close ally, a former Chief of Defence Staff, late Lt. Gen. Joshua Nimyel Dongoyaro (rtd) who spent four days in the ancient City of Ilorin to rejoice with him. Later in July, 1991, he was appointed as the Presiding Judge of the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal where he was the third in hierarchy among the Justices of the Court of Appeal of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
While serving in this capacity, Justice Sulu-Gambari evidently featured in about 167 cases and read lead judgments in many of them including a case involving the late Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Alayeluwa Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, CFR.
His colleagues at the Court of Appeal were; His Lordships Justice Ignatius Chukwudi Pats-Acholonu, Justice John Hezekiah Omololu-Thomas, Justice Sylvester Umaru Onu, Justice Emmanuel Obioma Ogwuegbu, Justice Justin Thompson Akpabio, late Justice Muhammad Mustapha Adebayo Akanbi, Justice Umaru Atu Kalgo, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu, Justice Issa Ayo Salami, Justice Simeon Adebayo Oduwole and late Justice Emmanuel Olayinka Ayoola among others.
Throughout his stay on the bench, he was known for his humility and transparency which was testified to by the President and Commander in Chief of Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR during his campaign visit to the ancient palace of Ilorin ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Prior to his campaign visit to Ilorin, at a book launch event in Birnin-Kebbi, the capital city of Kebbi State, Tinubu gave special recognition to the Emir of Ilorin and tagged him, “An Incorruptible Judge” and at Ilorin Emir’s Palace, he confirmed the Emir’s support for him when he was arraigned before him in Lagos during the Military era.
He said: “You are my father and I shall never forget your kindness to me. You granted me bail and also ensured that my bail papers was prepared and approved before you left your office, you waited to observe Mogrib and Ishai before you closed that day. With this, I will continue to tell the whole world what you did to me.”
During my recent trip to Qatar, I came across His Lordship, Hon. Justice Tanko Muhammad, GCON, the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, and he told me that; His Royal Highness was my boss, he trained me, I learnt alot from him while under him in Lagos. I wasn’t surprised the day he called me and said: “Ibrahim I am going back home to inherit my father’s house. That very day, I gave him royal salutation and I had no doubt that our Oga has become a traditional ruler. ”
Alhaji Sulu-Gambari enjoys cordial working relationship with successive governments in the state, especially, with one of his sons, His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON Sardaunan Ilorin and Chairman Nigeria Governors Forum as well as support from his colleagues in the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council with the Etsu Patigi, Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Ibrahim Bologi II as the Vice Chairman.
His Royal Highness Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR with members of Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) His Eminence, Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, mni always call Emir Sulu-Gambari by his heritance title “Shehu Alimi” which further confirms that there are only three Shehus in Nigeria; Shehu Usmanu DanFodio (Sokoto), Shehu El-Kanemi (Borno) and Shehu Alimi (Ilorin).
His Eminence Sultan of Sokoto and His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin
His colleagues (younger) in the Legal Profession and now traditional rulers who have also gave good testimonies about Emir Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari includes: His Royal Highness, Hon. Justice Sidi Bage CFR, the Emir of Lafia and Chairman Nasarawa State Traditional Rulers Council and His Royal Highness, Hon. Justice Hassan Lawal OFR, Emir of Gumi and Chairman of Northern Traditional Rulers Council.
Ranking Royal Fathers, although, of different professional backgrounds but with strong tides with Emir Sulu-Gambari are; His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Yahaya Abubakar CFR, Etsu Nupe and Chairman Niger State Traditional Rulers Council and National Coordinator of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria and Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife and His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III CFR, Emir of Gombe and Chairman Gombe Traditional Rulers Council who inherited and maintained the aged long relationship between Ilorin Emirate and Gombe Emirate as well as His Royal Highness, Alhaji Adamu Yunusa Baba CON, the Ona of Abaji and FCT Traditional Rulers Council who is found of calling Emir Sulu-Gambari “My Father”.
Most importantly, His Royal Highness, Maj. Gen. Ilyasu Bashar CFR (rtd) the Emir of Gwandu and Chairman Kebbi State Traditional Rulers Council who graciously honoured and appointed Barrister Abubakar Bature Sulu-Gambari SAN, the Emir’s eldest son as Ciroma even before he was later turbaned in 2006 during the 11th coronation anniversary of the Emir of Ilorin along with 10 other traditional title holders.
Since last few weeks, the Mai-Tangale in Biliri Local Government Area of Gombe State, His Royal Highness, Malam Sanusi Danladi Maiyamba IV, has being putting calls across to pray and celebrate with the frontline Royal Father. Other traditional rulers in that category are;
His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Sule Idaiye, The Great Imah IV of Somorika Kingdom, in Akoko-Edo Local Government of Edo State, His Royal Highness King (Eze) AbdulFatah Chimaeze Emetumah III, the Igwe Of Umuofor Kingdom, Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State, the Emir of Azara, Nasarawa State, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Kabiru Musa Ibrahim, The Emir of Wase in Plateau State, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammadu Sambo Haruna and the Gomo of Kuje in FCT, Alhaji Haruna Jibrin Tanko.
The most fascinating moment I have ever had with the Emir was the day he told me that: “The day I was pronounced as the Emir of Ilorin and when I sat on this throne, the first thing I requested from Almighty Allah was that Oh Allah, let there be peace in Ilorin, Kwara State and Nigeria in general and let everyone living in Ilorin both indigenes and non-indigenes be prosperous in their respective trades and careers.
“Let Ilorin grow, not only in size but also in peace, harmony, commerce and infrastructure. I did these prayers because they are the factors that will make my reign to be peaceful and memorable.”
Therefore, the source of our achievements as indigenes and residents of Ilorin as well as the sustainable peace and harmony that we are enjoying in Kwara State became clear to me.
He ascended the throne as the 11th Emir of Ilorin at the age of 55 barely three months for him to be announced as Justice of Supreme Court of Nigeria and 30 years later, Ilorin has truly grown rapidly in commerce and infrastructure to accommodate many indigenes of different states across the country.
Emir Sulu-Gambari ensures that under the leadership of the Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate, Dr. Muhammad Bashir Imam Soliu OON, clerics in Ilorin gather regularly at the Madrasatul Sheikh Solih Alimi to recite and complete the glorious Quran many times monthly for peaceful coexistence as well as prosperity nationwide.
Currently, the numbers of tertiary institutions both public and privately owned are uncountable while entrepreneurs, ranking politicians and technocrats are springing up geometrically. He has lend his voice to many national and international matters and most importantly as a delegate to constitutional conferences and being regular guest at the annual religious gathering in Morocco.
HRH Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR
Even at 85, he holds the prestigious position as the serving Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano and Muhammad Kamalu-deen University, Ilorin. He continues to preserve and promote the symbol of royalty and dignity as well as embodying the values of his forbearers.
With its current cosmopolitan status, the ancient city of Ilorin has low rates of social vices, crime and criminality, many thanks to His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR whose Mondays and Thursdays as well as other selected days in some Islamic months are dedicated for fasting and fervent prayers for sustainable peace and social harmony in the state and nation in general.
During one of my private engagements with His Royal Highness, he confirmed to me that while in school, he participated in so many sporting activities including football, boxing and lawn-tennis. When yours sincerely had broken leg few years ago, he said to me: “Don’t be disturbed about your condition, when I was studying in London, I was a professional footballer and I also sustained similar injury. I was completely demobilised with Plaster Of Paris (POP) all over my leg. Of course, I couldn’t play football for sometimes but I was able to study hard for my examinations and all my results were extremely fine. That was my reward at that time.
His narrations was not only encouraging but it was also an oxygen that gave me more hope that hard times don’t last forever. Each time His Royal Highness set his eyes on me, he always request that I should walk infront of him in order to know my health condition.
Your Royal Highness, you have indeed shown your subjects true love and affection as a unique leader and we, your children are fast-growing under your umbrella as you proudly carry us on your shoulders and on your back tightly. As you celebrate 85th birthday, we are pleased with your reign and we are praying that Almighty Allah should grant you more years of peaceful reign on earth with absolute comfort.
His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR is not a mere monarch but he is also a bridge-builder, advocate of peace and harmony, architect of modern society, a trailblazer, an embodiment of social justice, an Incorruptible Leader, a visionary and diplomatic personality, a soft-spoken, calm and charismatic man and among all, a father to all irrespective of your social status, political affiliation, tribe, religion and educational background. He is extremely nice through and true.
Allah Madaukakin Sarki Ya ci gaba da karfafawa Mai Martaba Sarki, Ya kuma ba ku shekaru masu albarka a duniya baki daya
Sheeehu! Sheeeeeehu!!Sheeeeeeeeehu!!! Wallahu Yasimuka Mina Nas
Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, spokesman to HRH Emir of Ilorin writes via sardauna2@gmail.com
