Yusuf Olaolu Ali: A Special Birthday to the Legal Giant

By Ayantunde Ayangbayi, JP

The date of birth of any great man is very symbolic; this is because it is a reflection of the commencement of the day of earthly journey. For Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, September 7th of every year is a special day in his life as he adds another year.

He is a big brother, a confidant, extraordinary personality whose impact on the legal landscape in Kwara State, Nigeria and across the globe is immeasurable. On his birthday, I have to felicitate him for Almighty Allah’s abundant blessings, grace, recognition, accolades, happy moments for him, and for his ability to have weathered the storms of life, prompting his rise to the stardom.

In the nation’s legal practice today, a mere mention of his name opens door of opportunities; an attestation to the grace that the Almighty Allah has endowed him with, among his contemporaries in the Temple of Justice. Succinctly put, his is a household name, and it is not out of exaggeration that he has distinguished himself, thus carving a niche for himself.

Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, first Kuliyan Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate, a friend of many and a philanthropist of exceptional calling with an unshakable bond built on trust, he has earned respect and admiration all through while remaining legal luminary in every sense of the word across the globe – a man whose brilliance in the court room has set a standard that many aspire to but only a few can attain.

He is not just a lawyer, he is a lawyer’s lawyers – a mentor, a trainer, and a beacon of hope for aspiring legal minds. His passion for justice, unwavering dedication to truth and selfless commitment to serving the oppressed, even through numerous pro bono cases, make him a rare breed in today’s world.

Beyond the courtroom, he is a cheerful giver, a philanthropist whose kindness knows no bounds. He has touched lives in ways that words cannot fully capture. He lives for books, and knowledge has made him a walking encyclopedia – always ready to educate, inform and guide. A visit to his library will provoke a literate mind into reading, reference and research work. As libraries preserve history, promote literacy, encourage lifelong learning and offer free educational resources – Ghalib Chambers Library is a good point of reference.

A self-made man through dint of hard work, industry, determination and competitive intelligence, indeed Kuliyan Ngeri is destined for greatness in every endeavour. Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN is an award recipient first class, a few of the awards conferred on him are Awards of Excellence presented by AIESEL, Ilorin; Muslim Law Students, National Headquarters, Abuja; Distinguished Personality Award presented by the Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan; Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award on Education Per Excellence/Icon Societal Development by West Africa Students’ Union, Award of Exemplary Leadership and Service by Rotary Club, Ilorin & Lifetime Achievement Award by the Governing Board of Editors of the American Biographical Institute.

The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, appointed and turbaned the legal giant as the first Kuliyan Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate. His installation with this prestigious title, no doubt, is in appreciation of his invaluable contributions to the society and a call to duty to do more, as a foremost legal scholar, positive thinker and expounder of jurisprudence, who lives an amazing lifestyle.

As he marks this milestone today, I pray for more strength, wisdom, better understanding, continued good health, sound mind, happy days coated with God’s love at all times. May the years ahead bring him even greater success, fulfillment and joy Insha’Allah. Amin

Happy Birthday Sir!!!

Ayangbayi, JP is a Journalist/Media Consultant based in Ilorin.