By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), has felicitated an Ilorin-based prominent legal practitioner, Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN), on his turbanning as the first Kuliya Ngeri of Ilorin on Friday, April 11th 2025 by the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR.
In a statement issued by the University Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun, the Vice Chancellor described the appointment and eventual turbanning of the senior lawyer as a “well-deserved honour for an indefatigable icon of community development, a consummate legal luminary, and a passionate philanthropist.”
Prof. Egbewole explained that Prof. Ali has proved to be deserving of the title, going by his trajectory of positive contributions towards the peace and development of Ilorin Emirate and humanity at large over the years.
The Vice Chancellor, who described Prof. Ali as his brother and friend and a distinguished friend of the University, said that his life has been a model to all, adding that his turbanning as the first holder of the prestigious title of Kuliya would surely spur him to do more for the Ilorin Emirate and humanity at large.
Prof. Egbewole also thanked the Emir, who is also the Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, and Muhammad Kamalud-Deen University, Ilorin, for always asserting unity and exerting leadership not just in his words but also in his actions before and since he ascended the throne of his illustrious forebears about 30 years ago.
The Vice Chancellor said that the decision of the prominent monarch to confer such a prestigious title on a non-indigene is not just a proof of his being a father to all but it would equally stimulate other non-indigenes living within and around Ilorin to feel at home and work for its progress as often done by Prof. Ali.
While wishing the Emir long life, sound health and continuous peaceful reign, Prof. Egbewole also wished the Kuliya of Ilorin a very successful reign and more remarkable career.