Olaolu Ali: An Indispensable asset in Law Field

By Ayantunde Ayangbayi, JP

Today, Saturday 18th April, 2026, we celebrate a man whose life journey is one with resilience, courage and determination. He is Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN.

Like a ripe and edible fruit that often attracts attention to pluck from its tree, which is its source, Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja has approved the conferment of an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree on the cerebral legal giant, who doubles as the First Kuliya of Ilorin Emirate in recognition of his distinguished contributions to the legal profession and national development.

Olaolu Ali, SAN, tenaciously unrelenting in the pursuits of all that is noble in his calling, academia and legal administration in Nigeria and beyond, deserves the accolades to receive the prestigious award at the University combined 29th and 30th Convocation Ceremonies.

The recipient of the award is a focused gentleman whose main preoccupation is attaining success in his field of practice; legal profession in the last four decades.

The legal luminary is not garrulous, yet in the Court rooms/in chambers/in front of his Lordships, he can move mountains with Superior arguments backed with very relevant documents and references. He is reputed for meeting set standards and getting the job done as a senior legal practitioner and mentor to a number of greenhorns in the law profession in the country.

Olaolu Ali, SAN is recognized by many for his industry, brilliance and intellect. With no closing time to a get a job done, he goes to office on weekends/public holidays as the assignment dictates.

What stands him out among his peers is his sense of loyalty and forthrightness with humility and total submission to the Almighty Allah (SWT). He has received several awards in and out of the country.

The Abuja University described the conferment as a mark of profound respect for Olaolu Ali, SAN, as an enduring impact within the legal field and his broader service to society.

It also expressed anticipation of his presence not only at the ceremony but within the University community in academic advancement and otherwise.

The latest recognition from Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja stands out, and it makes the recipient stands tall among his contemporaries and superiors because he is recognized as a member of the Gown.

Also, the award is coming at a time least expected to emphasis recognition in his service to the nation and humanity. With the benefit of hindsight, it is only a matter of time that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will recognize Olaolu Ali, SAN and confer a National Award on him.

In carriage and comportment, the honoree has remained very humble, approachable, hard working, prayerful, cheerful giver and ‘Omoluabi’ personified with big ideas, indeed.

The Kuliya Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate, Olaolu Ali, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Principal Partner at Ghalib Chambers, is widely regarded for his exemplary legal practice, academic influence and philanthropic engagements.

This piece has been put together as a mark of honour to Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, who has not ceased being a good man to the generality of the people. On account of his human disposition and personality, he has been receiving reciprocal benevolence from the society, the legal profession, academia, corporate world etc.

This covetous recognition is well thought out, fulfilling, glamorous and worthwhile to a global citizen regarded by many as a pleasant character and so loved as one simple creature from the Almighty Allah.

The awardee remains a legal luminary of note, legal scholar, positive thinker and expounder of jurisprudence, who lives an amazing lifestyle.

I wish him like many of his admirers, continued good health, successes, wisdom, divine understanding, Godspeed, longer life, more happy days with sound mind, coated with God’s love always as he remains a peace builder and an asset in nation building and authority in legal education and practice.

A Huge Congratulations, Sir!!!

Ayangbayi, is an Ilorin-based Journalist/Media Consultant.