Governor AbdulRazaq officially turbaned as Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate
History was made in the Kwara State capital on Wednesday as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was officially turbaned as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.
The high-profile event drew top political leaders and traditional rulers from across Nigeria, highlighted by the presence of Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who praised the governor’s transformative leadership and deep-rooted legacy in Kwara State.
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Speaking at the Emir’s palace, Vice-President Shettima commended the Emir for bestowing the prestigious title on Governor AbdulRazaq, noting that the honor strengthens the historical bond between the governor’s family and the Ilorin Emirate. He paid tribute to the contributions of AbdulRazaq’s late father to the state and the country, while praising the current administration’s aggressive infrastructure drive and alignment with federal development goals.
Shettima Commissions Revenue House, Garment Factory
Beyond the royal ceremony, the Vice-President’s visit to Ilorin was marked by key economic milestones. Shettima officially commissioned two major state projects:
The Kwara State Revenue House along Ahmadu Bello Way, aimed at modernizing the state’s revenue generation infrastructure.
A new multi-purpose garment factory in Ilorin, designed to boost local industrial capacity, create manufacturing jobs, and empower local artisans.
Political Lessons and National Unity
Reflecting on the nation’s political landscape, Vice-President Shettima used the gathering in Ilorin to call for unity and reconciliation among Kwara politicians following political contests.
Drawing from the 2023 presidential campaign, Shettima revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu faced immense resistance, with only six of the 19 northern governors supporting his bid—including Governor AbdulRazaq and former Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello.
“However, Tinubu refused to be deterred,” Shettima said, urging Kwara politicians to emulate the President’s approach of extending an olive branch to opponents after elections. “After the 2023 election, President Tinubu hugged and forgave all other northern governors that did not support him. That is a mark of a good leader.”
The VP reminded public office holders that power is temporary and given by God, urging leaders to serve with humility and focus on leaving a lasting legacy for the people.
Heavyweight Dignitaries Storm Ilorin
The celebration turned Ilorin into a focal point of national politics, attracting prominent leaders from across the country.
Among the dignitaries present were Governors: Umar Bago (Niger), Uba Sani (Kaduna), and Hope Uzodimma (Imo); deputy governors; epresentatives from Sokoto, Anambra, Nasarawa, Delta, Ondo, and Oyo states; the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, alongside senior chiefs of the Ilorin Emirate.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the Matawali of Ilorin Emirate, Dr. Alimi AbdulRazaq, described the Sardauna title as a well-deserved honor that serves as an added responsibility for Governor AbdulRazaq to deliver even greater dividends of democracy to the people of Kwara State.