Emir bestows Sardaunan Ilorin title on Kwara Gov AbdulRazaq

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been named the Sardaunan Ilorin, a prestigious title awarded by the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, in recognition of the Governor’s commitment to preserving and promoting the culture and traditions of Nigeria’s southernmost emirate.

Governor AbdulRazaq becomes the second individual to hold the title of Sardauna in Ilorin. His predecessor was the late Alhaji Umar Saro, a renowned philanthropist and billionaire. The title “Sardauna” is historically significant in northern Nigeria, with Sir Ahmadu Bello, the highly esteemed politician of the region, being the most notable bearer as the Sardauna of Sokoto.

During the brief ceremony announcing the title, the Emir praised Governor AbdulRazaq for his exemplary leadership and dedication to the community, including his strong support for the annual Ilorin Grand Durbar. The Governor is well-regarded for his humility, hands-on governance style, and commitment to the welfare of the people. He has previously been honored with various traditional titles across Kwara State, including Soludero of Offa Kingdom, Sadaukin Lafiagi, Kauran Kaiama, and Akorede of Oro Kingdom, among others.

The Emir also highlighted the Governor’s leadership at the national level as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF). “I am convinced that Governor AbdulRazaq is not only popular, but he also deeply believes in and promotes our traditions and customs. His active participation in the annual Ilorin Grand Durbar shows his dedication. Therefore, by my prerogative, I confer upon him the title of Sardauna of Ilorin from today,” the Emir declared.

The Emir further explained that in conferring chieftaincy titles, the council considers the individual’s popularity and reputation within the community. “From all indications, Governor AbdulRazaq is widely recognized and celebrated both at home and abroad, as evidenced by his selection as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum,” he added.

The Emir commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his efforts in fostering peace and stability in Kwara State, noting that this has contributed to the state’s relative peace despite security challenges across Nigeria. “We must be thankful to God for blessing us with a Governor like AbdulRazaq. Despite the security issues nationwide, Kwara has remained peaceful. We owe this to God’s grace and the Governor’s dedication to promoting peace, which is why he continues to succeed,” the Emir stated.

In his response, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed gratitude to the Emir for the honor, viewing it as an encouragement to further serve the community. “The title of Sardauna of Ilorin is not just any title; it is steeped in history, given to those who have made significant contributions across Nigeria. We are truly grateful for this honor, and it motivates us to do even more for our communities. Thank you, Your Royal Highness,” Governor AbdulRazaq said.

The Governor also praised the Emir and other traditional rulers for their roles in maintaining peace and stability, emphasizing the importance of constitutional roles for traditional leaders. “Today’s visit was an opportunity to thank the traditional council, represented by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, for the peace we have enjoyed, especially during recent nationwide protests,” the Governor remarked.

Governor AbdulRazaq was accompanied to the Emir’s Palace by a delegation that included the Majority Leader of the Kwara House of Assembly, Hon. Oba AbdulKadir Magaji; cabinet members; and other top government officials such as the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Community Development, Abubakar Abdullahi Bata; Commissioner for Communications, Bola Olukoju; Special Adviser to the Governor, Alhaji Sa’adu Salau; Special Adviser on Special Duties, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Jiddah; Non-Executive Director of NNPCL, Dr. Ghali Alaya; and other party leaders.

The Governor also expressed his condolences to the Emir over the recent passing of the mother of Stalin Gobir, Alhaji Muhammadu Issa Bawa.