In the pantheon of Nigeria’s legal titans, few names resonate with as much reverence as Mallam Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN (FCIArb). A renowned legal practitioner, prolific scholar, dedicated philanthropist, and devout Muslim, Ali’s life journey is an embodiment of resilience, excellence, and service to humanity.
Early Life and Education
Born on September 7, 1956, in Ifetedo, Osun State, to Alhaji Bisiriyu Olayiwola Ali and Alhaja Taibat Fomosara Ali, Yusuf Olaolu Ali hails from the Ilare quarters of Ifetedo in Ife South Local Government Area.
Growing up in a large, polygamous family, his early life in the communal setting of Ifetedo instilled in him values of discipline, unity, and responsibility.
His academic brilliance was evident from an early age. After completing his primary and secondary education, he gained admission into the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1978 to study History Education. However, his exceptional first-year performance earned him a rare transfer to the Faculty of Law.
He graduated in 1982 with a Second Class Upper (LL.B Hons), despite briefly losing his university and federal merit awards due to faculty politics, which he later reclaimed. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1983, finishing with BL Honours (Second Class Upper Division).
Legal Career: From Pupilage to Senior Advocate
Ali began his legal career under the mentorship of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and made his first court appearance in Ogbomoso in 1983. Though he lost the case, it marked the beginning of a lifelong passion for litigation.
After his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kwara State, he joined Adegboyega Awomolo & Co., where he rose to become a partner. In 1994, he established his own law firm, Yusuf O. Ali & Co. (Ghalib Chambers), with its headquarters in Ilorin and offices in Lagos and Abuja.
In 1997, just 14 years after being called to the Bar, he was conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the first in his 1983 Law School set to attain the honour.
Expert in Election Petitions and High-Profile Litigation
Yusuf Ali is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost legal experts in election petition litigation. Over the years, he has represented:
• Governors: Rashidi Ladoja (Oyo), Ayodele Fayose and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Bukola Saraki (Kwara), and Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun).
• Presidency: He was Second Lead Counsel in the defence of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua during the 2007 election petition case.
• Traditional Rulers: Notably, he served as Lead Counsel in landmark cases involving the Oluwo of Iwo and Ataoja of Osogbo.
Ali has handled numerous high-profile cases at all superior courts of record, including the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Academic Contributions and Legal Scholarship
A respected academic, Ali holds an LLM (1991) from Obafemi Awolowo University. He has delivered over 200 scholarly papers at home and abroad and published:
• 40+ legal articles
• 17+ chapters in legal textbooks
• Authored: An Anatomy of Corruption in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Solutions
He serves as an Associate Lecturer at the University of Ilorin Faculty of Law, and has also been a member of the University’s Governing Council and Chairman of the Kwara State Law Reform Committee.
Professional Affiliations
Mallam Yusuf Ali is affiliated with several prestigious professional bodies, including:
• Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
• International Bar Association (IBA)
• American Bar Association (ABA)
• Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA)
• Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK and Nigeria)
• Life Member, Body of Benchers of Nigeria
Philanthropy: Transforming Lives Through the Yusuf Olaolu Ali Foundation
In 2009, Ali established the Yusuf Olaolu Ali Foundation (YAAF), through which he has executed numerous humanitarian and educational projects:
• Donated an 80 bed hostel to Osun State University
• Built a twin dormitory at the University of Ilorin
• Funded a 10 bed Advanced Trauma Centre at UITH
• Donated ICT centres to OAU, Crescent University, and Kwara Poly
• Sponsored scholarships for indigent students in Nigeria and abroad
• Provided boreholes, medical equipment, and community development support across the country
The foundation also collaborates with the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) to promote literary awareness among secondary school students.
Leadership at Fountain University
In January 2024, Ali was appointed Chairman, Board of Trustees of Fountain University, succeeding Alhaji Adeyinka AbdulWaheed Adeola.
His appointment was announced at the institution’s 13th convocation, where he outlined a bold vision for academic innovation, global partnerships, and ethical leadership.
As part of his support for the university, he donated a 100-bed hostel, the Yusuf Olaolu Ali Luxurious Hostel, to alleviate student accommodation challenges.
Honours and Traditional Titles
With over 100 awards to his name, Ali has received recognition from across the globe, including:
• Lifetime Achievement Award (American Biographical Institute)
• Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award (All Africa Students’ Union)
• Honorary Doctorate (D.Litt.) – Al-Hikmah University
• Commander of Great Ife (COI) – OAU Alumni Association
In recognition of his legal acumen, the Emir of Ilorin, HRH Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, conferred on him the traditional title of “Kuliya Ngeri”, meaning Pinnacle of the Law. The title affirms his role as Legal Adviser to the Emirate and head of the Emir’s legal advisory team.
Personal Life and Family
A man of deep Islamic faith, Mallam Ali was the President of the Muslim Students’ Society (MSSN) at the University of Ife (1980–1981).
He was married to Hajia Fawziyah Lola Kehinde, whom he often described as irreplaceable. Tragically, she died in a car accident shortly before her 47th birthday. Mallam Ali has remained unmarried since, dedicating himself to raising their children.
Among his children is Nimah Yusuf Ali, a UK-trained businesswoman and ACCA-certified professional based in Abuja. She is married to Nurudeen Yahaya, with whom she shares strong roots in Ilorin.
Legacy of Service and Community Integration
Though originally from Osun State, Mallam Ali has lived and worked in Ilorin for over three decades. His contributions to the state’s legal, academic, and social sectors led the Emir of Ilorin to grant indigene status to his children, a testament to his deep integration and commitment to the community.
Conclusion
Mallam Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN stands as a towering figure in Nigeria’s legal and philanthropic landscape. A defender of justice, advocate for education, and unwavering servant of the people, his life’s work continues to impact countless lives across Nigeria and beyond.
He remains a shining example of what it means to live a life anchored in integrity, knowledge, humility, and service to humanity.
