The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has been described as a great and forthright leader who deserves to be emulated.

This assertion was made in a congratulatory message issued by the Ubandoma Malamai of Ilorin and an Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Shaykh Dr Abdulkadir Jumuah Salman Sholagberu, on behalf of his colleagues to mark the 86th birthday anniversary of the retired jurist.

Dr Sholagberu, who is also the National President of Shehu Alimi Islamic Foundation, explained that the Emir, who turns eighty-six years old on Wednesday, has devoted his entire life not only to the progress of Islam but also to the prevalence of peace and tranquillity across Nigeria and beyond.

The statement particularly noted the impact of the revered traditional ruler to the progress of Islamic and western education in Ilorin and its environment, saying that it is unsurprising that the first Muslim faith-based university in Nigeria, Al-Hikmah University, is located in Ilorin.

He equally thanked Alhaji Sulu-Gambari, who is also one of the vice presidents of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, for promoting peace and understanding among the people of Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole as he described Ilorin as a place that remains a model city in religious harmony in Nigeria.

The statement wished Alhaji Sulu-Gambari more years of sound health on the throne of his illustrious forebears.