By Mumini AbdulKareem, Ahmed Ajikobi, Mike Adeyemi
The 25th Anniversary of Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Zulu Gambari slated on Wednesday has provided an opportunity for Kwarans including Monarchs, religious leaders and scholars to celebrate the royal father.
This is coming just as a special prayer has been scheduled for Wednesday to mark the event according to a statement from the Emir’s media aide, AbdulAzeez Arowona.
Speaking with National Pilot last night, they stakeholders described the event as remarkable silver jubilee anniversary for the Emir whose reign has witnessed tremendous development to the state and its citizens.
Speaking to one of our reporters, the chief Imam of Agaka Central Mosque, Sheikh Murtala Yusuf (Pakata) said the event is a welcome development.
He stated further that, the Emir of Ilorin is a gift to Ilorin community, the Emirates and Kwara at large. “The Emir of Ilorin is a scholar who uses his knowledge to unite the state, celebrate and pray for citizens and his subject.
Olopoewa explained that, during his reign, a number of his subjects became Governor such as Muhammed Lawal, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki among others.
For Professor Lanre Badmas, “The Emir of Ilorin’s reign brought about development to Ilorin and the state in general.
“When the Emir got to the throne, the state has just only one university, 25 years on, different universities such KWASU, Crown Hills University, Crescent, Al-Hikmah among others has been established. There is no way the history of Emir of Ilorin will be written without talking about these developments. During his reign, we also have professors, vice chancellors and elevations of the citizens across the state. We have also had different media houses that came up such as National Pilot Newspaper, Radio stations among others. His time also witnessed the construction of one of the best mosque in Africa.
Also speaking, the Balogun Gambari, Alhaji Adebayo Aliyu described the Emir of Ilorin as a father to all who love his people. “Aliyu further said that the Emir of Ilorin during the heavy rainstorm that caused destruction across the state provided relief materials for the victims and also shared palliatives to members of the public during Covid-19.
Also, the Magaji Nda of Ilorin, Alhaji Soliu Woru Mohammed has described the emir as Icon of Peace and Harmony despite daunting challenges that occurred especially in recent time in the state. The Emir gave palliatives to the people and also provided succour for victims of rainstorm in the state. He already rallied everybody together as a team player and lover of peace and harmony to collectively support the cause of the emirate.
The Alofa of Iloffa, His Royal Highness, Oba Samuel Niyi Dada has described the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari as an epitome of integrity.
According him, ‘the 25th anniversary of the emir on the throne is a meritorious celebration.’
“It is a meritorious celebration. He has achieved a lot during his time in terms of development in Kwara state. Apart from that, he is a man of integrity and he loves everybody regardless of religion. According to him, he schooled in the University of London.
“He is a sport man and I’m lucky to play long tennis with him. He has a beautiful long tennis court in his palace. He took all of us as his children and he is a man of experience,” Alofa concluded.
According to the chairman, Ekiti traditional council and Olosi of Osi, Oba Saliu AbdulKareem Adasofegbe Arowobeku I, Sulu-Gambari’s reign had sustained friendly environment that has facilitated rapid development across the state.
In his view, the Alamayo of Amayo in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state, Oba Ibrahim Jamiu Oyebola urged Kwarans to continue to support the Emir of Ilorin to enable his reign witness more fruitful and developmental projects that would further turn around the wellbeing of the residents and indigenes of Kwara.
The Oloyipo of Eggi Oyo-Ipo in Irepodun Local Government area of d state, Oba Abdulwahab Adeoye Jinad gave kudos to the Emir for his vision in piloting the affairs of d traditional council while praying to Almighty Allah to grant him good health and wisdom in the assignment ahead.
For his part, the Oloreke of Oreke land, Oba Dada AbdulKadir Olukodo II cautioned the people of the state against inimical act that can hamper development and solicit they put in their best to ensure even development across the state for the reign of d Emir to be more resourceful.
Also, a community head in Sapati-Ile in Asa Local Government, Alhaji Bolakale Salami identified with the leadership style of Sulu-Gambari which encompasses caring and accommodation of people. He described the Emir as a God-fearing monarch whose efforts had enabled the citizens to work toward sustaining an egalitarian society.
Meanwhile, the Ilorin Emirate Solidarity Agenda in conjunction with Ilorin Emirate Daudus Forum has facilitated with the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari on the occasion of his 25th coronation ceremony holding Wednesday.
This was contained in a press release jointly signed by the Daudu of Ballah, Alhaji Salman Olarongbe Abdulkadir and Barr. Afolabi Hamidu Sulu-Gambari made available to National Pilot on Sunday.
According to the statement, the reign of the Emir has witnessed tremendous peace and progress throughout the entire emirate and elevation of many of its indigenes in various spheres of life nationally and at the international levels.
The two groups further emphasised the need for the indigenes of the emirate and various groups in the state to settle their differences on any issue of interest must through dialogue.
This, it noted, will promote and sustain the epithet of the state as one of peace and harmony across the country.
Part of the statement reads:
‘‘The Ilorin Solidarity Agenda observed with delight that the reign of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari has so far witnessed not only rapid development but peace and progress across the emirate and indeed among various residents and stakeholders within the state, nationally and the diaspora.
‘‘We therefore appealed to various persons, residents, indigenes, groups, stakeholders and even committees of various concerns in the state to continued to live together in peace and harmony and to always settle their differences through dialogue’’.
