Emir Of Ilorin Praises Gov AbdulRazaq’s Leadership Qualities, Honours Him With Chieftaincy Title

The Emir of Ilorin, His Eminence, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has announced Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the new Sardauna of Ilorin, noting that this was done to compensate him for his love and investment in the culture and tradition of the Nigeria’s southernmost Emirate. 

The  governor is  the second Sardauna of the ancient town, his predecessor — and the first person to hold the title in Ilorin — was the multibillionaire philanthropist , Alhaji Umar Saro , who died a few years ago. 

Sir Ahmadu Bello, arguably the most venerated politician in the old northern Nigeria in living memory, was mostly known for his Sardauna of Sokoto chieftaincy  title. 

A statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Rafiu Ajakaye noted that the Emir while announcing the traditional title during a short ceremony at his palace, commended Abdulrazaq for his leadership qualities and his efforts to promote the interest of the community, including his unmatched support for the Durbar. 

‘Reputed for his humility, hands-on approach to governance, and commitment to people’s welfare, the governor had earlier been given different traditional titles across the state, such as Soludero of Offa Kingdom; Sadaukin Lafiagi; Kauran Kaiama; and Akorede of Oro Kingdom, among others’ the statement noted.

The Emir commended the governor for his excellent leadership role in the state and at the national level as NGF chairman. 

‘I am convinced that Governor AbdulRazaq is not only popular, but he also believes in and promotes our tradition and custom. He made sure he participated actively in the annual Ilorin Grand Durbar. So, he deserves the be  honoured with a chieftaincy title to do more. For this reason and by my prerogative power, I confer on you the Sardauna of Ilorin from today’ the Ilorin monarch submitted while giving reasons why the governor  has been honoured with the important chieftaincy title..

‘In our long-standing practices, one of the prominent qualities we always consider before conferring chieftaincy titles is popularity. We usually consider whether or not such a person is famous within his immediate community and beyond. 

From all indications, Governor AbdulRazaq is popular both at home and abroad, and widely celebrated, to the extent of being chosen as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum’ he said.

The Emir also described  Governor AbdulRazaq as a lover and promoter of peace, an attribute ,he noted, is responsible for his continued progress. 

‘Let us be thankful to God that we are gifted this kind of governor. Despite all forms of security challenges across the country, Kwara has been relatively peaceful. We must give credit to the God Almighty who accepts our prayers, and to the governor for encouraging peace. That is why he has been progressive and he will continue to progress’ he added.

The governor thanked the Emir for the traditional title describing this as an encouragement to do more for the community and the people. 

‘On the conferment of the Sardauna of Ilorin title, it is said that it is not an ordinary title, going by the antecedents of those who have occupied the position across Nigeria. We are truly grateful and this encourages us to do more for our communities. Thank you very much indeed, Your Royal Highness’ Governor Abdulrazaq said.

The governor also commended the Emir and other traditional rulers for maintaining peace and stability in their domains, disclosing that the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum opines that constitutional roles should be given to traditional rulers in the country. 

‘Today’s visit was to thank the traditional council personified by his Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, and to also thank him for the peace we enjoy during the protests across Nigeria’  the governor said.

On the governor’s entourage to the Emir’s Palace were the Majority Leader  of the Kwara state  House of Assembly, Hon. Oba AbdulKadir Magaji; cabinet members and other top officials of government, including Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development , Abubakar Abdullahi Bata; Commissioner for Communications, Bola Olukoju; the governor’s  Special Adviser and Counsellor , Alhaji Sa’adu Salau; Special Adviser on Special Duties , Alhaji Abdulrazhaq Jiddah; Non- Executive Director of  NNPCL, Dr Ghali Alaya; and party chieftains. 

The governor,  in the meanwhile, has expressed his condolences to the Emir over the death of the mother of Stalin Gobir, Alhaji Muhammadu Issa Bawa, which happened recently-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you