The Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has congratulated former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on the occasion of his 89th birthday, describing him as a living legend and a patriot.

The emir conveyed his goodwill message in a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, in Ilorin on Thursday.

Sulu-Gambari, who also serves as Chairman of the Kwara Traditional Rulers Council, described Obasanjo as an elder statesman and a global citizen with a remarkable record of promoting peace across the world.

"You are a living legend, a patriot, an elder statesman, and a global citizen with a tremendous record of global peace advocacy," the emir stated.

According to him, Obasanjo a former military Head of State and two-term democratically elected president of Nigeria is widely respected for his enduring contributions to national development and international diplomacy.

"We appreciate and know you as a nation-builder and an advocate of peaceful coexistence who promotes inter-religious and inter-cultural harmony.

"I especially thank you, Chief Olusegun Aremu Okikiola Obasanjo, for always identifying with the Ilorin Emirate and Kwara at all times," he said.

The emir added that members of the Kwara Traditional Rulers Council joined in celebrating the former president on the auspicious occasion of his birthday.

"The entire members of the Kwara Traditional Rulers Council heartily celebrate and rejoice with you on this auspicious occasion of your birthday," he added.

Sulu-Gambari also prayed that God would grant the elder statesman more years in good health and comfort.