The Seventh Magaji Orisankoko
ALHAJI MUSTAPHA GAMBARI YUSUF (GAMBUS) was born to the family of Alhaji Yusuf Amuda Zubair and Hajia Muniratu Ayoka Ayilara (of blessed memory) on 15th March 1939.
He started his primary school education at Jos Township School in early 1947.Later that year, his late uncle, Alhaji Salahu Zubair Orisankoko, brought him to Ilorin to continue his schooling at Pakata Junior Primary School (1950-1951).
He briefly attended the school, and his classmates included Late Alhaji Hassan T. Abdulkadir (former DCG, Nigerian Immigration Services and Danmasani of Ilorin), Retired Col. Hussein T. Abdulkadir (former Chairman Ilorin LGA), Alhaji Ibrahim Sa’adu Alanamu (former DCG, Mechanical Unit, Nigerian Custom Services), Late Alhaji Mustapha Keke, and Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari (former Chief of Staff & Minister of Foreign Affairs).
Alhaji Salahu Zubair Orisankoko then handed the young Mustapha to Late Alhaji Salahu Popo, who was the Headmaster of Alore Primary School.Mustapha started Primary One afresh in 1951 and finished in 1954.He sat and passed his Common Entrance Examination that year and proceeded to Malete Senior Primary School (1954-1957).
His classmates at Malete Senior Primary School included Alhaji A.A. Yusuf (former DG, KWSG, & former Sole Administrator of Asa LGA), Alhaji A.A.S. Aliyu (former Acting Rector, Kaduna Polytechnic), Alhaji Abdulrahim Olorunoje (retired staff of Kwara State Pilgrims Board), Late Alhaji Olaroungbe Aliyu (former State Coordinator, Nigerian Pilgrims Board), Late Alhaji Obalowu Agarawu Alore (former Chairman Ilorin LGA), Late Alhaji Amasa Jiddah (retired Custom officer and politician), Late Alhaji Mammanu Isale-oja, and Late Alhaji Wahab Ajikobi (retired Civil Servant).
After finishing Middle II class, he returned to Jos to further his education.His father insisted he search for employment opportunities, and he was employed by Jos Native Authority (NA) as a clerk in 1960, posted to Bukuru.He left Jos NA in 1962 for a job with the Ministry of Works, Zaria, as a daily-paid clerk, earning 5 pence per day.
He married his first wife, Hajia Aminat Ottan Orisankoko, on September 21, 1961.In 1963, he sat and passed the Northern Region Government Civil Service Examination, securing a spot at Sokoto Clerical Training Centre.
He obtained his Clerical Certificate and was posted to Kaduna Judicial Department in 1964 as a clerk/interpreter.He was transferred to Makurdi Magistrate Court in 1966 and later redeployed to Ilorin during the Nigerian Civil War (1968).
He married his second wife, Hajia Hassanat Kewu Orisankoko, on September 16, 1976.Alhaji Mustapha Gambari Yusuf resigned from Kwara State Civil Service in February 1978 to assist his father in business.
He ventured into politics in the 1980s, serving in various capacities, including Supervisory Councilor for Works (2003).He became Treasurer of Jama’atul Nasirul Islam (Ilorin Emirate Chapter) in 2005.
He succeeded his late uncle, Alhaji Abubakar Baba Zubair Orisankoko, as the 7th Magaji Orisankoko on June 4, 2004, and was appointed Balogun Adini of Popo Igbonna on July 21, 2022. He was officially turbaned on March 14, 2026.
Alhaji Mustapha Yusuf Gambari Orisankoko has 12 living children and about 50 grandchildren. He turned 87 today, and we thank Almighty Allah (SWA) for his life.
The entire Orisankoko family home and abroad wish you Happy Birthday, Allah Ceaseless protection and wellness today and always. Congratulations BABA.
