SPECIAL SPOTLIGHT:
Identical Royal Father and Crown Prince of Ilorin Emirate
By
Ayantunde Ayangbayi, JP.
The eleventh Emir of Ilorin Ancient City is Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, CFR who doubles as the Chairman, Kwara State Traditional Council. He is the first literate Royal Father of the Emirate, while his first Son is Barrister AbubakarBature Sulu Gambari, SAN and Crown Prince of Ilorin Emirate, their grandfather was the late glamorous AlhajiZulukamainiAiyelabowoGambari of blessed memory who reigned from 1958 to 1992.
The present Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, CFR got to the throne on 11th November, 1995 and till date he remains a constant Northern Star, hospitable,jovial signature personified and a progressive monarch.
This is obvious in the sporadic socio-economic development and stable political life in Ilorin ancient city and indeed in the State of Harmony. No part of Ilorin Emirate that is not developed in human and material resources. With four (4) Local Government Council Areas namely Asa, Ilorin East, Ilorin West and Ilorin South with the Capital of the State of Harmony resides in Ilorin metropolis. The Crown Prince of Ilorin Emirate Barrister AbubakarBature Sulu Gambari, SAN is so identical with the Royal Father facially, professionally, in compartment and carriage precious pictures of the Natural ruler while younger and practicing as a law officer.
The Ciroma of Ilorin continue to sip from the fountain of Knowledge of his father traditionally, culturally, heritage wise while learning more customs of the Ilorin Emirate to its fullest. Looking at the two pictures it shows that Almighty Allah is great, blood is thicker than water, and the joy of life of any parent is that their children are prosperous makes parents happy and full of life.
Looking vividly at the two photographs one cannot but be grateful to Almighty Allah for his blessings on the entire royal families and the reciprocal benevolence received by the Royal Father thus far.
No doubt, the Palace and the Throne represent responsibilities and service of traditional leadership. Indeed, a call to work for the betterment of Ilorin Emirate Council and its people and for the entire State of Harmony. His Royal HighnessAlhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, CFR has consistently being calling on the Alanguas, Baloguns, Mogajisetc. who are recognized heads of families in Ilorin ancient city to reconnect properly with their ancestral homes, going back to their compounds/localities would allow them to mentor and guide the younger generations, ensuring that Ilorin Ancient city traditions and values are not lost.
The family heads are a vital role(s) in strengthening the foundation of their culture. It’s an opportunity to serve.
“Leadership at any level must be about impacting lives positively and leaving legacies that is multi-beneficial to the communities. The need to focus on uniting the people, preserving traditions and encouraging family values, by leading through positive examples will promote development, peace and harmony in Ilorin City and its environs”. Speaking further, “family heads must choose when to go and recreate/visit/celebrate with their people in their villages it must notbe only during festivities”.
These are the essence of education, experience and exposure displayed by our royal father over time that has made his reign thus far very remarkable.
Prince AbubakarBature Sulu Gambari, SAN has a dual citizenship was born on the 3rd December, 1965 in the city of London. His lovely mother, a Princess of Ikiruntown in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State.
The eldest son of the Emir by right and position in the family he automatically becomes the Ciroma of Ilorin Emirate. He studied law at the University of Maiduguri and was called to Bar in 1991. On the 28th November, 2022, Barrister AbubakarBature Sulu Gambari was sworned in by His Lordship, former, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice OlukayodeAriwola.
This journalist like many other well-wishers, wish MaimaritabaHis Royal HighnessAlhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, CFRcontinued good health, more happiness and many more years of wisdom and service. To the Crown Prince Barrister AbubakarBature Sulu Gambari, SAN you are still serving humanity and Allah, preparing for a sustainable future despite the fact that he ismaintaining a targeted philanthropy that reflects growth, grace, galaxy, success, impact, significance and good works appreciated by the people of Ilorin Emirate and its environs, the State and the nation in general.
Finally, Emir Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, played positive and effective roles. This and other countless contributions have place Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, CFR in unique stead in Nigeria. May the reign of His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, CFR continue to be eventful, peaceful and remarkable, Insha Allah, Amin.
** Mr. Ayangbayi, JP. is a journalist/Media Consultant based in Ilorin.
