2023: Embrace peace in this period of election, IEDPU charge Ilorin Indigenes, Nigerians

By Jimoh Sulyman

Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), the umbrella socio-cultural association of Ilorin indigenes worldwide, has charged all the indigenes of the city and every Nigerians to embrace unity ahead of the coming general elections in 2023.

The call was contained in the remark given by the national President of the Union, Alhaji Aliyu Otta Uthman on Thursday during an event held at the Union secretariat in Ilorin.

According to him, “peace is necessary now more than ever before as we are going into another round of general elections next year. We plead with those of you who are contesting for one position or the other to conduct yourselves as statesmen who always think of the next generation.

“Those who are not, are urged to work on those who are, on the need to always maintain peace and civility. Politics can be conducted peacefully. We must show the rest of the nation that we are positively different” Uthman noted.

The event is a special dinner organized by the socio-cultural group in honour of the nine new honorary title holders in the Ilorin Emirate.

The new traditional title holders are Sheikh Sulyman Onikijipa (Grand Mufty), Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje (Tafida), Sheikh Yakub Aliagan (Sarkin Malami), Sheikh Abdulkadir Oba Solagberu (Malami Ubandoma), Alhaji Alimi Abdurasaq (Mutawali), Alhaji Saliu Mustapha (Turaki), Alhaji Muhammad Yakubu Gobir (Madawaki), Alhaji Abolakale Kawu Agaka (Dan Iyan),  and Alhaji Saka Onimago (Shettima).

In his admonition to the honorees, the Union president, Uthman urged them to be agents of unity and peace in the community and they should use their good influence to attract all-round positive developments to the Emirate as it is their primary duty to the ancient city of Ilorin.

He says that, “the expectations of our people as you joined the league of the greatest Ilorin men of all times. The primary duty we expect from you is to serve as agents of unity and peace. We plead with you to work towards ensuring that the unity of purpose we inherited from the founding fathers of Ilorin Emirate is maintained.

“It is also our expectations that you will use your good influence to attract all-round positive developments to llorin Emirate.

“We expect those who have the means to establish or attract industries to Ilorin Emirate to swiftly do so. This is needed to reduce the rate of unemployment among our youths” says the retired security expert.

In the same cadence, the chairman of the occasion, Hon. Justice Idris Haroon, retired Grand Kadi of Kwara state, appealed to the title holders to promote the sustenance of the peace, unity, progress and preservation of heritage of Ilorin.

He said they should, “promote the sustenance of the peace, unity, stability, progress and preservation of our heritage.”

The Grand occasion which was graced by people from all walks of life especially the traditional institution and dignitaries of Ilorin emirate was started with an opening prayer led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh, Dr. Muhammad Bashir Soliu.

The event was an all comer for dignitaries.  Leading the roll call is the executive Governor of Kwara State represented by the SSA on Strategy, Alhaji Saadudeen Salahudeen, also present is the state’s Grand Khadi, Hon justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen.

The Emir of Ilorin, His Royal highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari was represented by the Magaji Ngari, Muhammad Jamiu, also present is the Balogun Alanamu,Alhaji Uthman Atolagbe Abubakar Jos and Imam Imale, Alhaji Sheikh ,Abdullahi Abdulhameed

Others are Prof. Shuaibu Oba AbdulRaheem, Alhaji Abdulhamid Adi, Ex IEDPU president; Alhaji LAK Jimoh, Sheikh Yusuf Olopoewa, among others.

The honourees present at the venue are, Shettima of Ilorin, Alhaji Saka Onimago; Madawaki of Ilorin, Yakub Gobir; Mufty, Sheikh Sulyman Faruq Onikijpa; Turaki, Alhaji Saliu Mustapha and Mutawali of Ilorin, Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq.

Serikin Malami, Sheikh Yakub Aliagan was represented by Prof Abubakar Aliagan, Dean Department of Islamic studies, University of Ilorin.