By Abiola Olawale
Eminent Scholar-Diplomat, former Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister and erstwhile United Nations Under Secretary-General, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari has joined prominent Nigerians in celebrating the 85th birthday of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Emir of Ilorin.
In a heartfelt message, Gambari, a proud son of the Ilorin Emirate, lauded the Emir’s exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to nation-building.
Gambari who was at various times Nigeria’s Ambassador/ Permanent Representative to the United Nations, New York, Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the African Union/Chief Mediator in Darfur, and President of the United Nations Security Council, highlighted the Emir’s remarkable legacy, noting his role as a unifying figure in Nigeria’s diverse landscape.
He said: “I join all the good people of Ilorin Emirate, Kwara State, your immediate family, and well-wishers in celebrating your elevation to the enviable age of 85 in good health and excellent clarity of mind.
“We thank you for being the exemplar that you are. We thank you for your welcoming disposition and for being ready to attend to the unending needs of your subjects.”
The New Diplomat reports that Sulu-Gambari, CFR, ascended the throne as the Emir of Ilorin in 1995.
With nearly three decades of leadership, he is the longest-reigning Emir in the emirate’s recent history and the highest-ranking public servant to occupy the stool.
His illustrious career includes serving as a judge of the High Court of Borno State and a presiding judge of the Court of Appeal.
