With great joy and happiness, the NBA Ilorin received the news of the conferment on Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN as 'Kuliyan' of Ilorin conferred on him by Maimartaba Sarki, Ilorin, His Eminence, Alh Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, CFR, the Chairman of Kwara State Traditional Rulers and Chiefs.

The word 'Kuliyan' is literally translated in English to mean 'pinnacle of the law' which is normally conferred on a lawyer who appears to have been very prominent, respected, experienced and successful in the eyes of the traditional ruler who is conferring it.

The traditional title of 'Kuliyan' is akin to England's 'King's Counsel, (KC)' formally Queen's Counsel (QC). King's Counsel is a barrister who is chosen to represent the British royal family in a court of law. The coveted title of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria is patterned after QC. The Title of 'Kuliyan' of Ilorin Emirate by all standards is not a means title.

Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN is unarguably one of the most prominent and successful legal icons that Nigeria legal profession has produced. Since the return of democracy in 1999, in election petition matters, Prof Yusuf Olaolu Ali SAN has handled cases for Presidents, governors, senators, and traditional rulers to mention but few.

The desire of every man created by God is to reach the apex of his chosen career. Some got to the top but fell from it, some got to the top and retained it unshifted, while some got to the top and still climbing more ladders of greatness. Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali SAN falls in the third category of these great men. Through the dint of his continued hard work, the new Kuliyan of Ilorin Emirate has gotten to the top and zenith and still climbing.

Mallam Yusuf Olaolu Ali is a professor of legal practice, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a Life Bencher to mention but few.

Mallam, as fondly called by his friends has become attracted to many of us for his exceptionally successful professional career, leadership qualities, empathy, generosity, integrity patriotism and his love for and service to God and humanity worthy of being emulated.

On this note, the leadership of the NBA Ilorin Branch, on behalf of all our members, congratulates Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali SAN on his new status as Kuliyan of the Ilorin Emirate Council.

In the same vein, we also salute the Emir of Ilorin Emirate, Maimartaba Sarki Ilorin, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari CFR for deeming it fit to honouring Prof Yusuf Olaolu Ali SAN with the coveted title of Kuliyan Ngeri.

E-Signed:
SMH Kosemani Esq.,
Chairman,
NBA Ilorin Branch

O.D Jimoh Esq.,
Secretary,
NBA Ilorin Branch

26th September, 2024