Bareke: Emir of Ilorin confers traditional titles on illustrious sons of Ilorin Emirate

Bareke: Emir of Ilorin confers traditional titles on illustrious sons of Ilorin Emirate

• Lauds AbdulRazaq’s pro-masses programmes

Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari on Thursday, conferred traditional titles on illustrious sons of Ilorin Emirate during the traditional sallah homage (Bareke).

The new title holders include – Sheikh Faruq Suleiman Onikijipa (4th Grand Mufti of Ilorin); Mallam Saliu Mustapha (Turaki of Ilorin); Waziri Yakubu Gobir (Madawaki of Ilorin); Sheikh Dr. Abdulqadri Salman Sholagberu (Malami Ubandoma of Ilorin); Sheikh Yaqub Aliagan (Serikin Malami); Dr. Alimi Abdulrazaq (Matawalle of Ilorin); Alhaji Saka Onimago (Shettima of Ilorin); Alhaji Kawu Baraje (Tafida of Ilorin); and Engr Kale Kawu (Daniyan of Ilorin).

Speaking on the significance of the event, the Emir of Ilorin said, “I am very happy to be here as usual. It has been our longstanding tradition in Ilorin and all other northern states. After the Governor had visited the palace, the Emir will come here (Government House) to say hello to the Governor. British soldiers used to be here. It used to be called Barracks. That is why it is called Bareke. My forebears used to come here to say hello. The same thing is being imitated. We thank God for that. Because, a nation without history is a dead one.”

The Emir also lauded the performance of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq especially, the non-discriminatory programmes of the administration and its impacts on the populace.

“Your Excellency, you have been doing well. Please continue to do well and God will reward you abundantly for that. We want peace in Kwara State, we want peace in Ilorin, we don’t want trouble. We should all learn and cultivate the habit of peace and harmony,” the Emir said.

For his part, Governor AbdulRazaq said, “The annual Bareke underscores healthy and harmonious relationship between the traditional institutions and the government. We cherish that harmony and the good job that the council of chiefs has been doing to promote unity and peace in Kwara State”.

He assured the people of the state that his administration would not relent in meeting their yearnings and aspirations, irrespective of their social status, adding that the recent video of a female pensioner was a testimonial of how the administration has changed the story of the average worker and citizen.

“Our administration is for the people. We stand for inclusive growth and development. We stand for the general well-being of the citizens. The trending video of a woman pensioner who acknowledged what we have done to change the conditions of our senior citizens is a pointer to what we represent. While that video is a good feedback on our priorities, I reassure her and all our people that we will not drop the ball. Within the resources available to us, we will not be blind to the need of any segment of our population,” he noted.

On the cancelled Ilorin Emirate Durbar celebration, AbdulRazaq said the government had to bow to the superior argument of security agencies after exhaustive deliberations with the Emir and the Durbar committee.

“The government could not have suspended the Durbar on a whim. Not only have our people prepared for the cultural event, the government on its own had invested hugely to make it a memorable one. This is part of our commitment to promote the tradition and culture of our people across the state.

“However, we bowed to the superior argument of security after exhaustive deliberations with Your Royal Highness and the committee. So, it was not a light decision taken on a flimsy ground,” the governor explained.

“We thank everyone for their kind understanding. We apologise to various traders, entrepreneurs and tourists who had looked forward to the colourful event. We especially commend the Durbar committee for their great efforts and patriotism.

“Like the government, I’m aware that Your Royal Highness has similarly spoken to our people on the annual Durbar that was supposed to hold yesterday,” AbdulRazaq added.

The annual event was well-attended by dignitaries from all walks of life.

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