An inheritance war is looming in the Royal Gambari family as the heirs and beneficiaries of the estate of the late Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Zulkarnaini Gambari Mohammed, have petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Kwara Zonal Office, Ilorin, over an alleged unauthorised property development and fraudulent dealings involving one of the family’s prime estate properties located along Murtala Mohammed Way, Ilorin.
The family, in the petition dated October 22, 2025, accused one of the appointed estate administrators, Ahmed Bolakale Gambari, of breaching his fiduciary position – by unilaterally engaging an unidentified property developer without the knowledge, consent, or approval of the other administrators and heirs.
It is alleged that this is intended to cheat the other heirs, which contravens the trusteeship.
According to the petitioners, comprising the surviving heirs and beneficiaries of the late Emir’s estate, this is a possible act of fraudulent conversion and misappropriation of family property.
They said the family had earlier appointed four administrators to manage the estate jointly in the collective interest of all beneficiaries, namely: – Ahmed Bolakale Gambari – Zeinab Ayobola Zubair – Asmau Funmilayo Buhari – Hassia Wuraola Gambari.
But alleged that Ahmed Bolakale Gambari acted without consultation, failed to provide financial disclosure, and concealed the identity of the developer and the terms of the contract.
Now, the petitioners are asking the EFCC to:
Launch a full-scale investigation into the unauthorized development and all related financial transactions.
Identify and trace the developer and any proceeds received from the transaction.
Invite all four administrators for questioning to ascertain individual responsibilities.
Issue an immediate stop order on the ongoing construction or sale of the property pending investigation.
Recover and restore the affected property to the lawful family estate.
The petitioners stressed that the EFCC’s intervention is necessary to safeguard the legacy and integrity of the late Emir’s estate, warning that any fraudulent or unauthorised dealings could tarnish the image of the Ilorin Emirate.
“This matter affects not only our family’s heritage but also the honour of the late Emir and the people of Ilorin. We have full confidence in the EFCC’s ability to uphold justice,” the petition partly read.
The petition was signed by: Hajiya Zeinab Zulu Gambari, Mariam Segilola Gambari, Hauwa Gboyega Gambari, Bilkisu Tinuola Gambari, Aliyu Oladipupo Gambari, and Rakiya Ajibola Gambari, on behalf of the heirs and beneficiaries of the late Emir’s estate.
CPC News had yet to get the response of Ahmed Bolakale Gambari as at the time of filing this report.
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