Ibrahim Ali Didi

Ibrahim Ali Didi (Ibrahim Fāmudhēri Kilegefān; 11 June 188910 January 1975) was a Maldivian statesman, diplomat and politician who served as Prime Minister of the Maldive Islands from 1954 until his resignation on 11 December 1957. He also served as Speaker of the People's Majlis from 1944 to 1945 and Ambassador of Ceylon.

Ibrahim Ali Didi, later known by his title, Ibrahim Fāmudhēri Kilegefān was born and raised in Fura Malé. commonly known as Eggamugē Ibrahim Fāmudhēri Kilegefān or Tuttu Ali Didi ge Seedi, was son of Ali Didi (Tuttu Ali Didi) and his wife, Sitti of Velidugē. He served several ministerial positions, Minister of Endowments, Minister of Health, Minister of Interior, Minister of Education and Minister of Finance.

Kilegefān's tenure as prime minister stands out as one of the most remarkable in Maldivian history. He was appointed as prime minister by His Majesty, King Muhammad Fareedul Awwal. During his premiership, he kept close relations with the British and during the first month of his premirship, the British Empire and Kilegefān signed an agreement to give Gan in Addu Atoll to british for 100 years. His cabinet minister, Ibrahim Nasir was against him and started an anti-campaign. Following this, a committee was established by royal decree to investigate the affairs of Prime Minister Kilegefān's administration. After thorough examination, the committee recommended that the king request Prime Minister Kilegefān to resign for health reasons. Upon Kilegefān's resignation on December 11, 1957, Nasir was appointed as the new prime minister. Subsequently, under Nasir's leadership, the Maldive Islands gained independence.

When he resigned as prime minister upon the recommendation of the sultan, it began to end his political life. Although he faced significant issues during his political life, he completed several ministerial and political positions. Kilegefān married 5 women and had four children, first child, Fathimath Ibrahim Didi with Princess Gulistan Imaduddine, daughter of King Muhammad Imaduddine VI. The three other children, Jameela Ibrahim Didi, Princess Aishath Ibrahim Didi (Maandoogey Titti Goma) and Khadheeja Ibrahim Didi were born to his other wives. Kilegefan was awarded the Fāmudhēri Kilegefān title, the then–highest title in the Maldive Islands on 22 April 1946. He was a descendant from the Maldivian political family, Eggamuge.

Early life, family and education Ibrahim Ali Didi was born on 11 June 1889, the child of Eggamuge Tuttu Ali Didi and Sitti of Velidooge (Muleegey Tuttu Didi ge Sitti). His father, Ali Didi was the son of Hassan Famuladheyri Kilegefan of Eggamuge. He was delivered at Eggamuge in Fura Malé. Kilegefan used his Father's name in his last name "Ali Didi".

During the first reign of Muhammad Mueenuddeene II, his grandfather Hassan Faamudheyri Kilegefan was appointed as a Member of the King's Consultative Assembly in 1887. Kilegefān's father was the brother of Queen Umm Kulthoum Didi, Consort of King Muhammad Imaduddine VI. They got a daughter, Princess Fathimath Ibrahim Didi (Tuttu Goma). During Kilegefān's premiership, he was married to Aminath Mohamed Didi from Fura Malé. His other daughter, Jameela was married to Ahmed Shathir, who was a Speaker of the People's Majlis and scholar.

Father to two princesses, Ibrahim Ali Didi had four children, Princess Fathimath Ibrahim Didi (Tuttu Goma), Jameela Ibrahim Didi, Princess Aishath Ibrahim Didi (Mandoogey Titti Goma and Khadheeja Ibrahim Didi.

The period was a time of conflict between the Athireege and the Eggamuge families in the politics of Maldive Islands. At that time, Tuttu Ali Didi, Ibrahim Ali Didi's father was exiled to Huraa Island for political reasons. Ibrahim Ali Didi, aged about 15, returned to Fura Malé from Ceylon while studying. As a result of his father's banishment to Huraa, he had no means to return to Colombo.

Ali Didi requested from then–Prime Minister Athireegey Ibrahim Dhoshimeyna Kilegefan, the grandfather of Mohamed Amin Didi, to return to Ceylon to study. However, the Prime Minister responded,

Ibrahim Ali Didi was disheartened by the Prime Minister's response but remained determined to pursue his studies in Ceylon. Undeterred by the official denial, he resolved to find a way to reach Ceylon without the government's knowledge.

Throughout his career, Ibrahim Ali Didi held significant positions within the government, particularly during Mohamed Amin Didi's administration. He served as Minister of Interior multiple times and represented B.A. as a Member of Parliament. He was also elected as a member of the Crown Committee following the resignation of King Hassan Nooraddeene II. Furthermore, he also served as the Representative of the Maldives in Ceylon.

A close associate of Mohamed Amin Didi, he played a crucial role in the government. Despite not holding any position in the first Republican government, he assumed leadership following a change in government on the 21 August 1953.