According to the news gathered from NBA Ilorin news publication, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ilorin branch has expressed great joy and happiness at the news of the conferment of the prestigious title of 'Kuliyan' of Ilorin on Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN. The honour was conferred upon him by His Eminence, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, CFR, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of Kwara State Traditional Rulers and Chiefs.

The title 'Kuliyan', which translates to "pinnacle of the law," is reserved for a lawyer who has earned prominence, respect, experience, and success in the eyes of the traditional ruler bestowing the title.

This prestigious title is similar to the 'King's Counsel' (formerly Queen's Counsel) in England, a barrister chosen to represent the British royal family in legal matters. Similarly, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) title is patterned after the British system. The 'Kuliyan' of Ilorin Emirate is a title of significant honour and distinction.

Professor Yusuf Ali, SAN, is widely regarded as one of Nigeria's most prominent and successful legal minds. Since the return of democracy in 1999, he has handled numerous election petition cases for Presidents, governors, senators, and traditional rulers.

The desire of every man created by God is to reach the apex of his chosen career. Some got to the top but fell from it, some got to the top and retained it unshifted, while some got to the top and still climbing more ladders of greatness. Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali SAN falls in the third category of these great men. Through the dint of his continued hard work, the new Kuliyan of Ilorin Emirate has gotten to the top and zenith and still climbing.

Mallam Yusuf Olaolu Ali is a professor of legal practice, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a Life Bencher to mention but few.

Mallam, as fondly called by his friends has become attracted to many of us for his exceptionally successful professional career, leadership qualities, empathy, generosity, integrity patriotism and his love for and service to God and humanity worthy of being emulated.

On this note, the leadership of the NBA Ilorin Branch, on behalf of all our members, congratulates Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali SAN on his new status as Kuliyan of the Ilorin Emirate Council.

In the same vein, we also salute the Emir of Ilorin Emirate, Maimartaba Sarki Ilorin, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari CFR for deeming it fit to honouring Prof Yusuf Olaolu Ali SAN with the coveted title of Kuliyan Ngeri.