12th Sarkin Gambari of Ilorin, Ahmed Yahaya Seriki, Dies

The 12th Sarkin Gambari of Ilorin, Alhaji Ahmed Yahaya Seriki, has died following an illness associated with old age.

His death occurred on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and has been announced by the Sarkin Gambari Descendants Youths Forum, while the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the traditional ruler.

In a statement, the Sarkin Gambari Descendants Youths Forum expressed submission to the will of Almighty Allah and disclosed that arrangements for the deceased’s Janazah (Islamic funeral prayer) would be announced in due course.

The forum prayed for Allah’s forgiveness for the shortcomings of the late traditional ruler and asked Him to grant him Aljanat Firdaus. It also prayed for strength and comfort for his family, the Gambari Community and the entire Ilorin Emirate to bear the loss.

Similarly, the IEDPU, through its National President, Alhaji Abdulmumini Ayo Abdulmalik, described the news of the monarch’s death as shocking, paying tribute to his leadership and contributions to the community.

Abdulmalik described the late Sarkin Gambari as a remarkable personality who worked towards strengthening the traditional institution he headed and promoting the welfare and progress of his community.

The IEDPU president also extended his condolences to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, the Ilorin Emirate Council, as well as the deceased’s family members, relations and friends.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the late traditional ruler, accept his good deeds and grant him eternal rest in Aljanat Firdaus.

The death of Alhaji Ahmed Yahaya Seriki marks a significant loss to the Gambari Community and the wider Ilorin Emirate, as tributes continue to reflect on his leadership and service.