Like Father, Like Son

By Ayantunde Ayangbayi, JP

The 11th Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, who doubles as Chairman, Kwara State Traditional Council, is the first literate royal father of the Emirate. His first son is Barrister Abubakar Bature Sulu Gambari (SAN). His father was late glamorous Emir Alhaji Zulukarnaini Aiyelabowo Gambari who reigned from 1958 to 1992.

The present Emir of Ilorin got to the throne on November 11, 1995 and till date he remains a constant Northern star He is hospitable, jovial signature personified and a progressive monarch. This is obvious in the sporadic socio-economic development and stable political life in Ilorin and indeed in the State of Harmony. No part of llorin Emirate that is not developed in human and material resources.

The crown Prince of Ilorin Emirate is so identical with his father facially, professionally, in comportment and carriage. He continues 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 blood is thicker than water. Also 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. The Palace and the Throne represent responsibilities and service of traditional leadership.

Indeed, a call to work for the betterment of llorin Emirate Council and its people and for the entire State of Harmony.

His Royal Highness has consistently been calling on the Alanguas, Baloguns, Mogajis etc. 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 florin 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 not be 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.

The Prince has a dual citizenship having been born on the December 3, 1965 in the city of London. His lovely mother is a Princess of Ikirun town in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State. Being the eldest son of the Emir he is automatically the Ciroma of florin Emirate. He studied Law at the University of Maiduguri and was called to Bar in 1991. On the November 28, 2022, he was sworn in by His Lordship, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

Ayangbayi, a journalist/media Consultant, writes from Ilorin, Kwara State