Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, CFR, OCORT, has congratulated the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, on the 31st anniversary of his ascension to the throne, describing his reign as an enduring testament to selfless service to Allah and humanity.
In a congratulatory message marking the milestone on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, Prof. Gambari recalled that the monarch was installed as the 11th Emir of Ilorin on November 11, 1995, at exactly 11:11 a.m., by the then Military Administrator of Kwara State, Group Captain Baba Adamu Iyam.
He described the historic enthronement as the beginning of a new era for the Ilorin Emirate, noting that, over the past 31 years, the monarch had distinguished himself through purposeful leadership, statesmanship and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of the Emirate.
Prof. Gambari, who is the Wamban Ilorin observed that Sulu-Gambari’s eventful reign had significantly strengthened the standing and recognition of Ilorin Emirate among prominent traditional institutions in Nigeria, attributing this to his exceptional leadership qualities, particularly foresight, tolerance, fairness and compassion.
He particularly commended the monarch for sustaining the cherished tradition of the Alimi Dynasty, founded on selfless service, inclusivity and responsibility to the people, noting that these values had remained instrumental in fostering harmony and peaceful coexistence among the diverse religious, ethnic and social groups within the Emirate.
According to him, the Emir’s accommodating disposition and commitment to fairness have reinforced his position as a father figure to all, while providing a strong foundation for mutual respect, unity and social cohesion across the Emirate.
The Former Minister of Foreign Affairs said the 31st anniversary offered an opportunity not only to celebrate the monarch’s years on the throne but also to acknowledge his enduring contributions to humanity and the preservation of the traditional values that define Ilorin Emirate.
On behalf of his family, the Board of Directors and the entire staff of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, Prof. Gambari expressed profound appreciation to the Emir for his distinguished service, while wishing him many more years of impactful leadership.
He prayed Almighty Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) to preserve the monarch in good health, grant him long life and continually increase him in wisdom and strength to sustain his invaluable service to Allah, the Ilorin Emirate, Kwara State and humanity.
Prof. Gambari expressed his heartfelt wish for the monarch’s long and prosperous reign.
