A Chronicle of the Emir of Kano's Visit to Ilorin Emirate

By – Glory Aregbesola

The 3-day working visit of the Emir of Kano, Mai-Martaba Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero to the ancient city of Ilorin has come and gone but the memory will linger in the hearts of the people of Ilorin emirate.

The historic visit of the Emir of Kano to Ilorin emirate is significant for two reasons:

First, the ancient city of Kano and Ilorin emirate has a rich socio-religious and cultural history which has been a unifying factor from the 18th century to date.

Secondly, the present Emir of Kano, Mai-Martaba Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and his younger brother who is also the Emir of Bichi, Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero, are grandsons to the late 8th Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji AbdulKadir Dan Bawa who reigned from 1920 to 1959.

Flowing from the above, there is no gainsaying the fact that the visit was a homecoming for Mai-Martaba Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero.

On arrival at the Ilorin International airport on Thursday, August 27, 2020, the Emir of Kano and his entourage were received by the crème de la crème of Ilorin emirate.

The revered monarch was given a royal welcome befitting his status. The carnival-like reception organized for Mai-Martaba Alhaji Aminu was used to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Ilorin emirate.

At the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, the Emir of Kano was treated to delicious local cuisines while being serenaded by traditional singers and dancers.

On Friday, August 28, 2020, the Emir of Kano paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Government House.

While receiving the monarch, Governor AbdulRazaq said traditional institutions are vital to the growth and peaceful coexistence of the society as they play key roles in the stability of the polity.

The Governor said: “… There is a long history between Ilorin and Kano and Kwara and Kano States. The history traverses from tradition to commerce. That history is what we want to transform by your visit.

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“… This visit is also about culture. The culture of Ilorin Emirate and that of Kano are interwoven. You can go back to the history of our emirate and Kano emirate through to Sheikh Uthman Dan Fodio. All these are available for those who want to learn about it. This visit will further strengthen our bond. We really appreciate your Royal Highness for visiting us in Kwara”, he said.

Speaking during the visit, the Emir of Kano disclosed that he had come to the ancient city of Ilorin to receive blessings from his maternal roots. He also commiserated with the Governor over the loss of his father, AGF AbdulRazaq SAN, praying Allah to repose the soul of the sage.

His words: “The purpose of my visit is to be back home, where I belong. To me, Kano and Ilorin are the same thing. Here is my home – maternal side – and I am happy to always be here.

“This is not my first time of coming, it is not the second and, in fact, I cannot even count the number of times I have come here. But this is unique because this is the first time I am coming to Ilorin after ascending the throne of my ancestors. I thank God for that.

“So, I come to have the blessings of my maternal side and leaders who I believe contributed a lot to the development of life up till this stage.

“Whether you are from Kwara, from Kano or anywhere, the most important thing is to send the message that we are one and the same. That is how God wanted it to be. If God wants us all to be from one place or culture, he can make that but he didn’t do that. There must be a purpose for that. So, we have to accept that, live by that and help those that need help among us”, the monarch said.

The Emir of Kano also visited Ilorin Central mosque alongside Kwara State Governor and the Emir of Ilorin for the Jummah prayer.

Getting back to the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, the stage had been set for a grand reception organized by Prices and Princesses of Ilorin emirate to welcome the Emir of Kano, Mai-Martaba Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero.

The reception was marked by rich cultural display and funfair.

On Saturday, August 29, 2020, the 3-day working visit of the Emir of Kano came to an end and the monarch departed for Kano alongside his entourage which consisted crème de la crème of the Kano emirate.