Remembering Lawyer Salman: A Legacy of Wisdom, Integrity, and Service
By AG Ahmed
By AG Ahmed, the city of Ilorin says goodbye to Alhaji Aliyu Alarape Salman, a highly respected individual known as eLawyer Salman. He was not only a legal expert but also someone who embodied wisdom, integrity, and service to the Ilorin Emirate and beyond.
Born on November 9, 1942, Lawyer Salman came from a family of esteemed Muslim scholars. His father, Shaykh Salman Ake, was a renowned Muftideen, and his mother belonged to the respected Imam Male family of Ilorin. Growing up, he was immersed in a culturally rich and intellectually stimulating environment, which laid the foundation for his future accomplishments.
Lawyer Salman’s educational journey began as a Quranic school student in Abeokuta, under the guidance of his father, Alfa Ake. He later attended Nawairudeen Primary School in Abeokuta before transferring to Ansarul Islam Primary School in Ilorin. It was during this time that he developed lifelong friendships with notable individuals such as Justice Mutalub Ahmad Ambali and Alhaji Shehu AbdulGafar.
Continuing his education at Baboko Senior Primary School in Ilorin, Lawyer Salman obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1954. His classmates included distinguished individuals such as Alhaji Shuaib Baba Pakata, Imam Sultan Abdullahi Kamaldeen, and Alhaji Jimoh Garuba Oke-Oyi. He then pursued his secondary education at Provincial (now Government) Secondary School in Ilorin and later at Barewa College in Zaria, where he was a year behind Brigadier-General David Lasisi Bamigboye.
Driven by his passion for law and possessing a brilliant mind, Lawyer Salman pursued his dreams at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, where he earned his LL.B. degree. His classmates at ABU included Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo and Justice Issa Ayo Salami, both of whom went on to make significant contributions to society. He further honed his legal skills at the Nigerian Law School in Lagos and was called to the Nigerian bar in 1968, alongside the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji(Dr)Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and Justice Issa Ayo Salami.
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Throughout his career, Lawyer Salman demonstrated a deep commitment to public service. He began as a pupil counsel in the Government of North Western State in Sokoto before joining the Kwara State Ministry of Justice. Rising through the ranks, he eventually became the Attorney-General and Honourable Commissioner for Justice of Kwara State from 1975 to 1978. During this time, he made history by voluntarily resigning from the Kwara State Executive Council in solidarity with the people of Ilorin Emirate, alongside Alhaji Saka Saadu, to fight for the demands of their community.
Lawyer Salman’s dedication to justice and fairness extended beyond Ilorin Emirate. He served as the Chairman of the Kwara State Judicial Service Commission during the administration of Alhaji Adamu Attah and held various positions in national development. His impact was not limited to the legal field; he also made significant contributions to the sociocultural sphere as the National President of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union. He held this prestigious position twice, from 1981 to 1984 and from 1988 to 1990, leaving an indelible mark on the community.
Despite his numerous achievements, Lawyer Salman remained humble and connected to his roots. He was the first graduate of Ahmadu Bello University to be appointed as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, a testament to his exceptional legal acumen. In 1987, he became the first silk (Senior Advocate of Nigeria) based in Kwara State. Despite his success, he chose to establish his law chambers in his ancestral homestead in Omoda, Ilorin, always mindful of his origins and the importance of giving back to his community.
Today, as we bid farewell to Lawyer Salman, we mourn the loss of a true patriot, a visionary leader, and a compassionate soul. His legacy will forever inspire us to strive for excellence, fight for justice, and serve our community with unwavering dedication. May his soul rest in peace, and may his memory continue to guide and inspire us all.
Let us remember the words of Lawyer Salman himself, “The strength of a community lies in its unity, its commitment to justice, and its unwavering belief in the power of education.” Let us honor his memory by upholding these values and working together to build a brighter future for the Ilorin Emirate.
AG Ahmed,
Ile Lęrę, Idiayan, Oke-Apomu, Ilorin.
