Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, the eleventh Emir of Ilorin and permanent chairman of Kwara State Traditional Council, is a direct descendant of Sheikh Salihu Alimi, the founder of what is now known as Ilorin Emirate.

Sulu-Gambari, a retired Justice of the Court of Appeal ascended the throne of his fore fathers in November 11, 1995, three years after the demise of his father, the legendary 9th Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Zulu Karinaini Mohammed Gambari.

Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari succeeded Malam AbdulKadir Aliyu Baba Agba, the 10th Emir of Ilorin.

The appointment of Sulu-Gambari was greeted with great excitement not only by the people of Ilorin Emirate, which is made up of five local government areas - Ilorin West, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, Asa and Moro, but eminent personalities from the nooks and crannies of the country.

One of such personalities who hailed Sulu-Gambari's appointment is the Are Musulumi of Yoruba land, Alhaji AbdulAzeez Arisekola Alao.

The reason for the people's excitement about Sulu-Gambari's appointment was not far-fetched because of his sound educational background and accomplishments as a jurist of no mean repute.

Realizing the enormous responsibilities put on his shoulders by his accomplishments, even before he became the Emir of Ilorin, Sulu-Gambari decided to prioritize the preaching of unity and love to his people. The belief of the monarch is that no development can take place in an atmosphere devoid of peace and unity.

In furtherance of this, the Emir, during the occasion of his eleventh year anniversary on the throne honoured notable citizens of the Emirate with chieftaincy titles.

This he said was to bring all the illustrious sons of the Emirate together for the growth and development of their father land.

Those he honoured with chieftaincy titles include the former chief of staff in the Presidency, Gen. (rtd) Mohammed Abdullahi, the business mogul, Alhaji Umoru Saro, Engr. Lanre Sagaya, Alhaji Kola Belgore. The Emir also recently conferred chieftaincy titles on a onetime commissioner for Finance in the state, Alhaji Usman Mustapha and a former secretary to the state government, Alhaji Sheu Abdul Gafar.