In commemoration of his 22nd anniversary on the throne, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Traditional Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari jetted out to the United Kingdom, National Pilot can report.
Sulu-Gambari, who took over the throne on 11 November, 1992, was accompanied on the trip by his Principal Private Assistant and Personal Assistant, Alhaji Modibbo Sulu-Gambari and Alhaji Murtala Abdulraheem respectively.
The Emir was spotted in pictures sent from the European country where he wore casual wears of suit-pullover, trouser, hat and muffler round his neck.
According to reports, the monarch has been in the United Kingdom for two weeks but it is however uncertain whether he will return to the country anytime soon.
Meanwhile, the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has congratulated the Emir on attaining 22 years on the throne of his forebears.
Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, described the Mai-Martaba Sarkin Ilorin, as an exceptional royal father whose reign has witnessed peace and phenomenal development in the Ilorin Emirate in particular and Kwara State in general.
He added that the Emir has continued to encourage progressive initiatives that have engendered unity, peace and tolerance in and around the state, worthy of emulation.
“I join all Kwarans and Nigerians at large to congratulate you on your 22nd anniversary on the highly revered throne of the Ilorin Emirate.
“It is my prayer that Allah grant you excellent health, prosperity and many more years to continue in your immeasurable service to the people of Ilorin, Kwara State and the nation at large,” Saraki said.
In the same vein, the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, congratulated the monarch on the occasion as the 11th Emir of Ilorin, describing him as an embodiment of peace and harmony.
In his congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, the governor described the highly respected monarch as a man whose life is an excellent portrayal of inter-religious tolerance.
As the chairman, Kwara State Traditional Council, Governor Ahmed affirms that the Emir demonstrated uncommon leadership style, patriotism and wisdom in his consistent advocacy for security, peace and unity among the people of the state.
According to him, “the Emir has over the years created opportunity to reduce issues that can trigger tension and misunderstanding between Muslims and Christians in the state and beyond.
“Over the years, the unique qualities of the Emir has contributed immensely to the promotion of peaceful co-existence among the diverse ethnic groups in Kwara State.”
The governor praised the courage and sincerity of the Emir for always being a father to all even as he prayed Allah to continue to grant him good health, long life, wisdom, guidance and direction in the discharge of his responsibilities.
Also, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Dr. Ali Ahmad in a congratulatory message issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Shuaib Abdulkadir, described the traditional ruler’s reign as a blessing to the entire Emirate and Kwara State at large.
According to him, “Undoubtedly, your reign as the Emir of Ilorin Emirate and Chairman, State Council of Chiefs has witnessed tremendous growth and development, not only within the Emirate but in the nooks and crannies of Kwara State.
“The experience garnered while in active service as a judge of repute and on the throne of your forefathers over the years has placed your Highness as one of the most dependable traditional rulers in the state and Nigeria at large.”
He added that the existing peace and harmonious relationship among various ethnic groups residing in the Emirate and Kwara State has continued to wax stronger.
Ahmad, however, urged the subjects not to be deterred in providing the needed support and cooperation to the monarch to enable him further discharge his royal duties effectively.
In the same vein, the National Public Relations Officer of Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association (IEYDA), Alhaji Uthman Muhammad Jagunmo, who noted that Ilorin has not remained the same since the emergence of the current Emir, however called on sons and daughters of the emirate to join hands with the monarch in moving the state to an enviable height.
