CILS celebrates Yusuf Ali at 70
By Abubakar Imam
As the Kuliya of Ilorin, Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, marked his 70th birthday anniversary last Monday (September 7, 2026), the Director of the Centre for Ilorin Studies (CILS), University of Ilorin, Prof. Ali Arazeem Abdullahi, has described the renowned legal luminary as an enigma who deserves to be celebrated.
Prof. Abdullahi, in a statement, said that Prof. Ali has, through his exemplary professionalism, patriotism, and philanthropy, become a celebrated figure not just within the Ilorin Emirate but also across and beyond Nigeria.
The Director, who thanked Prof. Ali for being one of the most consistent benefactors of the Centre, recalled the several contributions of the seasoned legal practitioner to the development of the CILS since its establishment.
He said that apart from honouring invitations to several of the programmes organised by the Centre, the Director recalled Prof. Ali’s recent financial support to the Centre through which it was able to stock its Gallery with some relevant publications authored by indigenes of the Ilorin Emirate.
While encouraging Prof. Ali to continue to support the Centre for it to achieve the essence of its establishment, the Director urged other well-to-do indigenes and friends of the Ilorin Emirate to emulate Prof. Ali’s consistent philanthropic gestures.
Prof. Abdullahi wished the renowned legal luminary more years of sound health and quality services to the nation and humanity.
