Desist from character assassination against Emir of Ilorin, Spokesman warns Tribune columnist

By KEMI KASUMU

Mr. Lasisi Olagunju, a newspaper columnist has been warned to desist from assassinating the character of Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, over issues relating to identity and recognition among other salient matters.

In a reaction issued on Thursday, Spokesman to the Emir, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, noted that, “Olagunju, an acclaimed award-winning newspaper columnist, has by his recent publication displayed a high level of ignorance about culture, tradition and royalty. Infact, he has declared and expressed his hostility against the good people of Ilorin Emirate and their well-wishers.”

Arowona added that the article had also reflected Olagunju’s antics as a divisive element rather than what he ought to be as a scholar of repute and well-respected media chief.

“It is unfortunate that with his long years of journalism practice in Nigeria, the writer was not sensitive enough to know that his expertise and energies could have been more useful in projecting Nigeria’s image within the international community, mentoring youths against engaging in social vices, thuggery, internet fraud, cultism among others. Nigeria needs committed patriotic citizens interested in national integration rather than embarking on obliviousness and professional benightedness.

“Of what relevance is the discussion of name or identity of the Emir has to do with the current national issues or otherwise?

“By the write-up, Olagunju’s academic excellence has done our dear nation no good because attacking a personality such as His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, an Octogenarian who has spent 29years on the throne of Emirship in Ilorin, a heterogenous and cosmopolitan city with many non-indigenes thriving in various careers and trades.

“It is expected that at this old age of the monarch, Olagunju should chronicle his personality and celebrate his longstanding contributions to the legal profession, traditional institution, national integration, and humanity in general because, Olagunju’s kinsmen who are based in Ilorin find joy being addressed as Ilorites. They are even enjoying all the benefits and privileges therein.

“Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari studied at Oakham School, Rutland in England from 1961 to 1962, City of Westminster College between 1962 and 1963, Middle Temple, London from 1964 to 1967, King College, University of London from 1966 to 1967, and Nigerian Law School from 1967 to 1968 where he was Call-To-Bar. Within a space of six years, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari bagged three degrees with flying colors.

“He started his career as a judicial officer and later rose to become the Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General in Gongola State in 1976 and acting Judge of the High Courts of Bauchi, Borno, and Gongola States respectively in 1977. He later became the Judge of the High Court of Borno State from 1978 to 1983, Presiding Justice Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division 1983, and was later transferred to Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal, a position he held up to 1995 before he voluntarily retired to become the 11th Emir of Ilorin. He was conferred with the National Award of Commander of Federal Republic (CFR) during the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo-led civilian regime in 2001.

“He had previously served as the Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State for 14 years and later redeployed to the University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State in 2016 before his recent redeployment to Bayero University Kano, Kano State in 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR. He was also installed as the pioneer Chancellor of Muhammad Kamalu-deen University, Ilorin on Saturday 11th May 2024. He has been adjudged as an incorruptible judge, respected royal father, and distinguished Nigeria by all and sundry.”

Arowona further stressed that, “Olagunju can further explore his talent by doing more research in the region of his origin and engage any personality of equal status with our amiable monarch, in such a frivolous, condemnable, unwarranted and uncharity academic exercise because Our Emir Is Nobody’s Specimen For Laboratory Test. We are not in a War of Identity with anybody or group persons and we shall not tolerate such from anyone.”