The Forum of Kwara State All Progressives Congress (APC) Former Local Government Chairmen has described the Emir 9f Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari as a distinguished traditional ruler whose reign has been marked by wisdom, dignity, and an unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and progress in Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State at large.

The chairman of the forum, Alhaji Abdulwahab Issa, in a statement, said the Emir’s leadership over the years has continued to exemplify the finest traditions of royalty—anchored on justice, humility, and service to the people.

Issa said: “under his (Emir’s) watch, Ilorin has witnessed sustained harmony and cultural preservation, while also embracing modernity and development.”

The Forum, who noted that the Emir’s influence transcends traditional leadership, highlighted his role as a stabilizing force and a bridge-builder among diverse communities. “His counsel has remained invaluable to leaders at all levels of governance,” it said.

Alhaji Issa further commended the strong synergy between the traditional institution and the state government under Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRasaq, noting that such collaboration has continued to foster peace and accelerate development across the state.

“As His Eminence celebrates this remarkable milestone, we join millions of sons and daughters of Ilorin Emirate and well-wishers across Nigeria in praying for his continued good health, longevity, and divine wisdom. May Almighty Allah grant him many more years on the throne in strength, peace, and sound mind, and may his reign continue to bring prosperity and unity to our land,” he added.

The APC Former LGA Chairmen Forum reaffirmed its deep respect for the traditional institution and its enduring role in nation-building, while wishing the Emir a joyous and fulfilling birthday celebration.

Also, the former Chief of Staff to late former President Muhammadu Buhari, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, has hailed the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari for demonstrating exceptional leadership quality through peace building initiative, aimed at advancing unity and progress of Ilorin township and its environs.

The diplomat, in a congratulatory message issued from University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States, copied The Guardian Newspaper, Gambari expressed delight that “Ilorin has taken a new shape for good, courtesy of the development-driven agenda of the foremost traditional ruler.”

The Professor of Political Science and International Relations commended the Emir for helping to expand the frontiers of knowledge and good governance in the community, using the instrumentality of his decades of experience in the temple of justice.

“I take this moment to felicitate the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Highness, Maimartaba Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, on the commemoration of his 86th Birthday. This is not a mean feat in the earthly journey of a man.

“And it is gratifying to note that our Royal Father has taken it upon himself the development-driven agenda to see that Ilorin is making steady progress among its contemporaries.

“Since his ascension to the throne, the Emir of Ilorin has demonstrated exceptional leadership quality through his peace building initiative, aimed at advancing unity and cause of Ilorin township and its environs. For us, this is not surprising, taking cognizance of his ocean of experience in the temple of justice,” he said.

Gambari, a former Minister of External Affairs prayed the Almighty Allah to increase the monarch in wisdom, good health and longevity of life as he celebrates his new age.