Ilorin, Kwara State — [Date of Posting]
The heirs of the late His Royal Highness Alhaji Zulkarnaini Gambari Mohammed, the 9th Emir of Ilorin, have filed an Ex Parte Motion before the High Court of Justice, Kwara State, seeking urgent interim relief to protect a property belonging to the late Emir’s estate.
The motion, Suit No: KWS/518/2025, was filed by Zeinab Zulu Gambari, the widow of the late Emir, alongside her children and other lawful heirs: Hassi at Wuraola Gambari, Mariam Segilola Gambari, Hauwa Adegboyega Gambari, Bilkisu Tinuola Gambari, Aliyu Oladipopu Gambari, and Rakiya Ajibola Gambari.
The Respondents in the matter are Ahmed Bolakale Gambari and Unknown Persons.
Reliefs Sought
Through their motion, the Applicants are asking the Honourable Court to grant an Order of Interim Injunction restraining the Respondents, their agents, or representatives from further leasing, transferring, developing, or interfering with the property known as Matchco (Ile Isana) — located at the Emir of Ilorin House, Murtala Mohammed Way, Ilorin — pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The application also seeks:
- To stop ongoing or future construction works on the property;
- To preserve the estate assets from further interference; and
- Any other orders the Court may deem fit to ensure justice and maintain the status quo.
Background of the Case
According to the affidavit filed in support of the motion, Mrs. Zeinab Zulu Gambari, the 1st Applicant and widow of the late Emir, stated that the family recently discovered development activities being carried out on the said property without their knowledge or approval.
The Applicants allege that the 1st Respondent, one of the four administrators appointed by the Court under a Letter of Administration dated 26 October 2023, acted without the consent of the other administrators or the heirs by leasing the property to an unidentified estate developer (now the 2nd Respondent).
The family claims that this act contravenes the fiduciary duties imposed on the administrators and is detrimental to the lawful beneficiaries of the estate.
They have approached the Court seeking immediate judicial intervention to prevent “irreparable harm” to the estate pending the hearing of the main case.
Legal Basis
The motion was brought pursuant to Sections 6(6)(B), 36(6)(C), and 272 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and Orders 11 and 20 of the Kwara State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2022.
In the written address accompanying the motion, the Applicants’ counsel argued that the purpose of an ex parte injunction is to preserve the subject matter (res) of a suit and prevent actions that could undermine the eventual judgment.
They cited judicial precedents emphasizing the Court’s discretion to intervene where there is a risk of injustice, particularly in estate matters involving trust and fiduciary responsibility.
Purpose of the Application
The Applicants state that their goal is to protect the integrity of the estate of the late Emir of Ilorin, whose legacy remains central to the Ilorin Emirate’s history.
They emphasize that the application was filed in good faith, purely to safeguard estate assets pending full legal determination, and not to prejudice or malign any of the Respondents.
About the Late Emir
His Royal Highness Alhaji Zulkarnaini Gambari Mohammed (1914–1992) served as the 9th Emir of Ilorin. Renowned for his leadership, wisdom, and dedication to public service, he ruled from 1959 until his passing in 1992. His reign was marked by peace, scholarship, and community development, leaving a lasting legacy in Ilorin and beyond.
📰 Ongoing Developments
The motion is part of the continuing proceedings surrounding the administration and distribution of the late Emir’s estate, which has been before the Kwara State High Court.
Further updates will be shared on this platform as verified information becomes available.
Source:
Court Filing – Motion Ex Parte, Affidavit in Support, and Written Address filed in Suit No: KWS/518/2025 at the High Court of Justice, Kwara State, Ilorin.
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