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

The diplomat rejoiced with the Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs on his 86th birthday.

In a congratulatory message issued from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States, and made available to The Guardian, 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.

Also, the Forum of Kwara State All Progressives Congress (APC) Former Local Government
Chairmen has described the monarch as a distinguished traditional ruler whose reign has been marked by wisdom, dignity, and an unwavering commitment to peace, unity.

It chairman, 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.

Noting that the Emir’s influence transcends traditional leadership, the forum highlighted his role as a stabilising force and bridge-builder among diverse communities.

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