The Emir of Ilorin, Saraki, others extol Yusuf Ali at book launch, and former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, have poured encomiums on legal luminary Mallam Yusuf Ali (SAN) for his exceptional philanthropic gestures and contributions to humanity.
The commendations were made in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, during the public presentation and launch of a biography titled “Kuliya Ilorin: A Life of Purpose,” written by the former Chairman of the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abiodun AbdulKareem.
The event celebrated Ali’s impact and his installation as the Kuliya Ngari of Ilorin Emirate, a title bestowed upon him by the Emir last year in recognition of his contributions to the development of the people, despite being an indigene of Osun State.
Represented by the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, Dr. Usman Atolagbe Jos, the Emir described the Senior Advocate of Nigeria as a blessing to the community.
“He has been useful to both Muslims and Christians in Ilorin. Due to his kind gestures in his office, we are getting the feedback in the palace. We appreciate him and pray that God Almighty will guide him and continue to grant him long life,” the Emir stated.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki, represented by the former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Prof. Ali Ahmad, noted that Ali stands out because he chooses to use his resources to lift others rather than enjoying them alone.
“Students and young ones, if you find yourselves being mentored by Yusuf Ali, count yourselves lucky to be mentees not only in the monetary aspect but in association,” Saraki said.
“What is curious about him is that he is not the richest lawyer in Ilorin, Kwara State, or Nigeria by extension. But he will not stop sparing a thought for others.”
Also speaking, the honoree’s associate, Adebayo Adelodun (SAN), lauded Ali’s legendary generosity to colleagues, institutions, and individuals.
“He is somebody I have interacted with at close quarters. He lives a life of purpose, a life of dignity, and a life of discipline. His middle name is generosity generosity of spirit and purse,” Adelodun remarked.
In his remarks, one of Ali’s mentees, Kehinde Eleja (SAN), described the honoree as a father figure who taught him the ABC of law practice.
“He is a mentor, supporter, and carer. Somebody I can rightly refer to as my father. Mallam Yusuf Ali has not only taught me how to catch fish; up till now, he still assists me in catching fish. He still treats me like a baby. That is something very unusual,” Eleja testified.
Responding, Mallam Yusuf Ali (SAN) expressed humility, refusing to take credit for his humanitarian efforts and ascribing all glory to Allah.
“Any occasion that people talk about me, I get a bit confused and troubled, because nobody can make himself,” Ali said.
“It is only God that has counted me a kind-hearted person in the contemplation of human beings. I therefore count myself very, very lucky.”
