The list of Emirs of Ilorin till date traces the leadership of the Ilorin Emirate from its formal establishment in the early 19th century to the present day.
While Ilorin existed before the 1800s, the arrival of Sheikh Salih Ibn Janta (Shehu Alimi) marked the foundation of the emirate system and the emergence of a hereditary line of emirs whose authority combined spiritual leadership with political administration.
This article presents the official list of Emirs of Ilorin till date, based strictly on documented historical records.
List of Emirs of Ilorin Till Date
Below is the chronological list of Emirs of Ilorin till date, including their reign periods:
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- Oba Abdulsalami bin Shehu Alimi
Reign: 1816 – 1842
The first Emir of Ilorin, also known as Oba Digi Aye, who laid the foundation of the Ilorin Emirate. - Muhammad Shitta bin Shehu Alimi
Reign: 1842 – 1860 - Zubair bin Abdul-Salami
Reign: 1860 – 1868 - Alliyu bin Muhammad Shitta
Reign: 1868 – 1891 - Abdul-Salami Mamaloso bin Zubair
Reign: 1891 – 1895 - Sulyman bin Alliyu
Reign: 1895 – 1915
Widely noted as the founder of Fa’agba. - Shuaib Bawa bin Zubair
Reign: 1915 – 1919 - Abdul-Kadir bin Shuaib
Reign: 1919 – 1959 - Zulukarnain bin Muhammad Laofe
Reign: 1959 – 1992 - Alliyu bin Abdul-Kadir
Reign: 1992 – 1995 - Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR
Reign: 1995 – Date
The current and 11th Emir of Ilorin.
Brief History of the Ilorin Emirate
Although Ilorin predated the 19th century, its transformation into an emirate followed the arrival of Shehu Alimi, a respected Islamic scholar, teacher, and spiritual leader.
His intellectual and spiritual influence attracted followers from within and beyond Yorubaland, leading to widespread acceptance of his leadership.
Before Shehu Alimi’s arrival, Ilorin was already home to notable scholars such as Sheikh Abdullahi Tahir Solagberu at Okesuna and prominent figures like Aare Ona Kakanfo Afonja.
Over time, these leaders acknowledged the spiritual authority of Shehu Alimi, paving the way for the political leadership of his descendants.
By the early 19th century, the Ilorin Emirate became part of the Sokoto Caliphate, sharing administrative similarities with other emirates while maintaining distinct characteristics, most notably its multi-ethnic composition and inclusive governance structure.
The Current Emir of Ilorin
The present ruler, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, ascended the throne in 1995.
He is the 11th Emir of Ilorin and previously held the prestigious title of Ciroma, a common preparatory title for future emirs.
He is:
- Son of the 9th Emir, Alhaji Muhammad Zulukarnain Gambari, CFR
- Maternal grandson of the 8th Emir, Sheikh Abdulkadir Shuaib Bawa, CBE
- Great-grandson of Shuaib Bawa, through the Zubair Aiyelabowo III lineage
FAQs on the List of Emirs of Ilorin Till Date
How many Emirs of Ilorin have there been to date?
There have been eleven (11) Emirs of Ilorin from 1816 to date.
Who was the first Emir of Ilorin?
The first Emir of Ilorin was Oba Abdulsalami bin Shehu Alimi, who reigned from 1816 to 1842.
Who is the current Emir of Ilorin?
The current Emir of Ilorin is Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, who ascended the throne in 1995.
Is the Emir of Ilorin part of the Sokoto Caliphate?
Historically, the Ilorin Emirate became part of the Sokoto Caliphate in the early 19th century and shares institutional similarities with other emirates.
Conclusion of the List of Emirs of Ilorin Till Date
The list of Emirs of Ilorin to date reflects over two centuries of continuous leadership rooted in scholarship, spirituality, and inclusive governance.
From the founding role of Shehu Alimi’s lineage to the present reign of Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Ilorin Emirate, remains a central institution in the cultural and historical identity of Kwara State.
This record stands as a factual reference point for history, education, and public knowledge. Researched and Written by the NewKwara Team.
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