By Oluwabukola Mary Sunmoni
The National Association of Kwara State Law Students (NAKLAS) on Wednesday hosted its 2026 National Conference at the Arca Santa Arena, Ilorin, celebrating the enduring legacy of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.
The landmark gathering marked the official unveiling of “The Bar, The Bench, and The Crown,” a publication chronicling the monarch’s distinguished journey through the legal profession and traditional leadership. NAKLAS National President, Abdulrauf Abdulbasit O., in his welcome address, described the event as a celebration of history, service, and scholarship.
The conference featured a lecture delivered by Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, while Prof. Lukman Adebisi Abdulrauf provided a critical review of the newly launched publication.
The association also recognised first-generation Kwara lawyers, with President Abdulbasit noting the initiative was designed to inspire young law students to build their futures on character, knowledge, and sacrifice.
Chairman of the Day, Prof. Yusuf Ali, expressed appreciation for the initiative while stressing the importance of time management and diligence among the younger generation. He thereafter acknowledged the dignitaries in attendance before spearheading the ceremonial launch of “The Bar, The Bench, and The Crown.”
Senior Advocate J.S. Bamigboye commended the students, stating that the excellent initiative restores hope in Nigeria’s younger generation.
Assistant Controller of Corrections, Okekura Olumuyiwa Omole, praised NAKLAS for its thoughtfulness, observing that the Emir’s exemplary life perfectly embodies justice beyond punishment, encompassing fairness, rehabilitation, and human dignity.
The conference reaffirmed NAKLAS’s commitment to bridging legal scholarship with traditional values and civic responsibility. As young law students continue to look to iconic figures for inspiration, the Emir of Ilorin’s storied career across the bar, the bench, and the throne stands as a powerful testament to a life of purposeful service.
