Ilorin Emirate Durbar: Let Not Those Who Continue to Subject Our Emir to Ridiculing Take Us for a Ride

By Ayuba Musbau Kawu

It has become painfully obvious that Mal. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq is no longer concealing his disdain for “Ile Alimi”, but never could anyone have imagined he would stoop so low as to strip our revered Emir of his customary right to host the Durbar in his own palace. His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Zulu Gambari, has for years graciously hosted dignitaries, including former Governors, to the Durbar festivities within the sacred walls of his residence. Yet this year, Mal. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq audaciously replaced him as chief host of our most prestigious cultural event, while his Alangua (Alangua Ologbin) – who remains a subject of the Emir of Ilorin – and his Adewole community were designated to receive guests, including our own Emir.

Leading up to this unfortunate development, the APC under Mal. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s leadership had been engaging in the most unseemly political games regarding the construction of a pavilion at the Emir’s palace – a structure that could have properly accommodated this year’s Durbar festivities. Their motives remain known only to them, but the consequences have been felt by all who hold our traditions dearly.

The significance of hosting this prestigious event at the Emir’s palace extends far beyond mere ceremony. It honors the Emir as tradition demands, draws greater attention to the palace itself, and ensures continued investment in its renovation and maintenance as the Durbar grows in stature each passing year. Moreover, it showcases one of Ilorin’s most treasured symbols – and indeed, a symbol of Islam itself – the magnificent Ilorin Central Mosque, one of the largest and most beautiful mosques on the African continent.

The moment word spread that this year’s Durbar would be relocated from the palace, with Mal. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq assuming hosting duties while his community and Daudu received the Emir and other distinguished guests, some Dahiris of Ilorin voiced their outrage at such an insensitive decision. Many rightfully dubbed the event the “Ojude Adewole Festival” in recognition of this departure from tradition. Some chose to boycott the event entirely in protest, while others attended but carried their displeasure like a burden throughout the proceedings.

The event has come and gone, but most regrettably, supporters of Mal. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s reckless actions – primarily APC members – have been making rounds, spewing gibberish at those who dared voice their dissatisfaction with this affront to our Emir before the program took place. Let it be clearly understood that the Ilorin Durbar has evolved beyond the reach of such petty machinations, regardless of who attempts to manipulate it, including APC members. It will continue to draw crowds wherever it may be hosted. However, it remains an undeniable truth that the event would be far more spectacular if conducted properly and hosted in its rightful, customary location.

The early photographs from this year’s Durbar still managed to capture the Emir’s palace and its breathtaking scenery in the background. One can only imagine the grandeur and vibrancy that would have been achieved had the entire event unfolded within the palace grounds as tradition dictates. It is equally undeniable that this year’s Durbar would have attracted significantly more attendees had it not been displaced from its ancestral home.

Therefore, let those who persist in subjecting our Emir to such indignities understand this: we will not be taken for fools.

~Arc. Ayuba Musbau Kawu writes from Ilorin, Kwara State