The ancient capital of Kwara State, Ilorin, was abuzz with activity last Wednesday as political leaders, traditional rulers, and business elite gathered for the turbanning of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate. The Sardauna title is a traditional aristocratic honor in northern Nigeria. The ceremony at the Emir’s Palace drew a crowd of notable figures, including Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, governors, deputy governors, and business leaders.
The event was a grand affair, with at least eight aircraft landing at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin. Shettima arrived at 1:05 p.m. and was received by Abdulrazaq, alongside governors from several states and other high-ranking officials. The list of attendees included governors from Imo, Kaduna, Kebbi, Ekiti, Plateau, and Gombe States, as well as the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, traditional chiefs, and members of the Council of Ulamas also attended the ceremony. The Governor’s wife, Ambassador Olufolake Abdulrazaq, and other prominent figures, including BUA Group Chairman, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Nigeria Revenue Service Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, were present. The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, presided over the occasion, formally turbaning Abdulrazaq amid prayers and goodwill messages.
In his remarks, Shettima described his relationship with Abdulrazaq as extending beyond official engagements, saying that their bond was rooted in friendship. He noted that while political offices and titles would eventually become part of history, human relationships would endure. Shettima congratulated Abdulrazaq and prayed for divine guidance as he assumes the traditional responsibility attached to the new title.
The Vice President also used the occasion to call on politicians and public office seekers to prioritize peace in their pursuit of political aspirations. The ceremony was a convergence of governance, development, and tradition, with Shettima inaugurating two major projects associated with the Abdulrazaq administration, the State Garment Factory and the multi-storey Revenue House of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service.
The event was a testament to Abdulrazaq’s disposition as a public servant, with Shettima describing him as a humble governor who had focused on delivering for the people. The ceremony provided an opportunity for prayers for the Governor, the Emirate, and the wider community, and marked a significant moment in the history of Ilorin Emirate.
Key points
- The turbanning of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate was attended by high-profile figures, including Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima.
- The ceremony was a convergence of governance, development, and tradition, with the inauguration of major projects associated with the Abdulrazaq administration.
- The event marked a significant moment in the history of Ilorin Emirate, with Abdulrazaq being recognized by the traditional institution of the emirate he governs.
