A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Abubakar Bature Sulu-Gambari, has described the call to bar of his daughter, Imann Yelwa Sulu-Gambari, as both a personal and professional milestone.
Speaking at a reception held in her honour, Sulu-Gambari said the occasion marked the beginning of a new relationship with his daughter, beyond the bond of family. “Other than being her father, today we became Learned colleagues,” he told guests.
The senior lawyer who is also the Ciroma of Ilorin noted the distinction between their positions in the legal profession, pointing out that while he belongs to the inner bar as a Senior Advocate, his daughter now joins the outer bar. He prayed she would one day attain the rank of Senior Advocate.
Reflecting on his own journey to the silk, Sulu-Gambari said his daughter’s steady progress through the University of Cosmos and law school served as a challenge to him at a time when his elevation to SAN was delayed. He recalled that he achieved the feat in 2022, two years before her call to bar.
The senior advocate spoke warmly about their close relationship, joking that Imann often says she shares more DNA with him than anyone else. He expressed pride in her achievement, wishing her success as she begins her career.
“I look forward to the day that I will appear in court and introduce her as my colleague,” he said. He thanked family, friends, and well-wishers who attended the reception, praying for their safe return home.
Imann is a granddaughter of the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Mai-Martaba Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari. Her father, who is the Ciroma of Ilorin, is the principal partner at A.B. Sulu-Gambari & Co., a law firm known for its role in shipping and maritime policy.
