Month: May 2025

Still on the Ilorin Durbar: How N150 Million Hijacked Tradition and Twisted the Narrative
Wahab Oba
23/05/’25

Let me begin by stating unequivocally that I hold our revered traditional institution and His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, in the highest esteem. I am not oblivious to the weight of tradition, the sanctity of the palace, and the need for decorum in times of controversy. However, when sacred traditions are manipulated, when cultural legacies are hijacked for transient political gains, and when silence becomes complicity, the truth must be told, no matter how uncomfortable. This is what informed this writeup.

I have been reliably informed by a respected member of the Ilorin Durbar Committee, under the condition of anonymity, about the behind-the-scenes drama that culminated in the release last night of the controversial statement signed by Engr. Yahaya Alapansapa, Chairman of the Ilorin Emirate Durbar Committee.

What I learned paints a disturbing picture of a revered cultural institution reduced to a political pawn in the hands of those who would rather exploit the Durbar as a tool of political leverage than preserve it as a symbol of unity and pride for the Ilorin Emirate.

This is not hearsay or idle speculation. The facts are in the open: the letter written by the Durbar Committee to the Kwara State Government begging for money to organise the Durbar; the pitiful financial state that prompted the appeal; the N150 million offer dangled before them; and the suffocating conditions tied to it. For those who hold the Ilorin Durbar sacred, this sequence of events is nothing short of sacrilege.

The deal, reportedly brokered under duress, saw the Committee, under the leadership of Engr. Alapansapa capitulate to the State Government’s political demands for control over the 2025 Durbar. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, allegedly angered by the Committee’s “neutrality” regarding Senator Saliu Mustapha’s pavilion project, is said to have pressured them into submission: accept the N150 million sponsorship only if you dance to the government’s tune.

With barely three weeks to the Durbar and only about N5 million raised from a few well-meaning sons and daughters of the Emirate, the Committee had no choice but to turn cap-in-hand to Governor AbdulRazaq for a lifeline. But that lifeline came with strings attached.

In return for the State Government’s financial support, the Committee was allegedly instructed to, among other things, publicly disassociate itself from and misrepresent the facts surrounding Senator Mustapha’s pavilion project; recognize Governor AbdulRazaq as the sole sponsor of the 2025 Durbar; exclude political opponents, especially former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Senator Saliu Mustapha, Hon. Moshood Mustapha, and Mallam Lukman Mustapha from the celebrations; and for the first time, allow the conspicuous presence of the Governor’s lackey and anointed 2027 gubernatorial stooge.

Within 48 hours of this closed-door arrangement, the Committee released a public statement that bore the unmistakable fingerprints of government dictation. The tone, the omissions, and the narrative slant all pointed to a carefully orchestrated move to politicize what is supposed to be a celebration of heritage and identity.

Even more troubling is the Committee’s sudden erasure of history. As recently as 2018, during the tenure of former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, the Ilorin Durbar was revived in grand style. Both former Governor Ahmed and Senator Bukola Saraki played pivotal roles in restoring the Durbar’s dignity and glamour. Today, their names are deliberately omitted from the records in an act of historical revisionism. For what? A few wads of cash and political convenience?

The real tragedy here is that the Ilorin Durbar, meant to celebrate our shared history and unity, is now being reduced to a partisan jamboree. What should have been an honorable gesture of cultural support has become a veiled campaign rally.

Let it be clear: the Ilorin Durbar belongs to the people. It is a sacred tradition of the Emirate, not a tool in any governor’s reelection or succession strategy. It must not be held hostage by manipulation or financial coercion.

The Durbar Committee, peopled by otherwise respected sons and daughters of the Emirate, should have resisted this compromise. They should have stood firm in defence of our heritage, not surrendered it at the altar of political expediency.

The people are watching. And history, unlike money, never forgets.

Press Release by Ilorin Emirate Durbar committee, OUR POSITION ON THE PAVILION FOR THE FORECOURT OF THE PALACE OF ILORIN: ILORIN DURBAR COMMITTEE On behalf of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr.Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari (CFR ), it has become imperative for the Ilorin Durbar Committee, the Organizers of Ilorin Annual Durbar event, to make some clarifications on the proposed pavilion for the forecourt of the palace of Ilorin as follows:

1. The Durbar Committee initiated the idea of having a pavilion in the forecourt of the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR. We considered this as both a cost-cutting initiative and an effort to enhance the safety, comfort, and security of our people as well as further embellish the spectacle and beauty of the Ilorin Annual Durbar and other Royal events.

2. ⁠This idea was discussed with different stakeholders in Ilorin, including His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq ( CON) , the Governor of the State, Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), and Sardauna of Ilorin as the lead sponsor of the Durbar events in the past 6 years. In his response, the Governor made significant suggestions about our initial design and how the project can better serve its purpose.

3. ⁠The discussions on amendments to our original design and execution of same, among other things, were still ongoing as of December 25, 2024 when a representative of the Distinguished Senator Saliu Mustapha, Turaki of Ilorin, unveiled a design of the pavilion at the annual Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) National Conference as a gift from his office.

4. ⁠The Durbar Committee heard of this development like everyone else at the event. We were not privy to it until then. The new design from Senator Saliu Mustapha is also different from the Durbar Committee’s original Architectural and Structural Design, which was being reviewed based on the inputs from the State Governor.5. ⁠While the Durbar Committee remains highly indebted to His Excellency Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq ( CON) and acknowledges the interest of other stakeholders, including Distinguished Senator Salihu Mustapha in our objectives, we however plead for the understanding of all the stakeholders who share our common values and whom we trust are working genuinely for the same purpose of ensuring that the best is done for our community and in honour of our revered Emir, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR to stop further comments on the pavilion in the interest of peace, oneness of purpose, and mark of our usual highest regards for the seat of Sheikh Alimi.6. ⁠The imperative for all to heed this appeal is fundamental in order to allow for a lucid resolution of issues as the Government considers the Original Pavilion Design and other subsequent Plans before it in accordance with building standards, public safety and environmental impact regulations. We fully submit to the legal role of Government to uphold due process and security of its citizens; it is our duty to comply with the final decision of the state government on this matter. Accordingly,⁠ His Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, being a legal Icon with excellent track records of being enforcer of due process and rule of law, appeals to all to align with the letter and spirit of the law and regulations in the processing and execution of the project.

7. It is equally important that we put on record our acknowledgement and appreciation of His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq, the Governor of Kwara State, as the lead sponsor of the Durbar events and other cultural activities since his assumption of office. As a true son of the Emirate, he has demonstrated the greatest regards for the traditional stool and shown commitment to the preservation of our rich cultural heritage. We appreciate him.Similarly, we acknowledge the various contributions of our respected Royal and Honorary Title holders, sons and daughters of the Emirate, as wellas other well-meaning friends of the Emirate towards the success of the Durbar Committee in all our events.

8. ⁠This statement becomes necessary to clarify our position on the subject matter, given the leading role of our committee in the organization of the annual Ilorin Emirate Durbar to which every son and daughter of Ilorin looks forward as part of the celebrations of the Eid-ul-Kabir and our rich cultural heritage. Once again, our very clear position remains to align with all standards and safety regulations in our pursuit of the original Design and Plan earlier submitted to the government by our Committee.

Signed:

Engr.Suleiman Yahaya Alapansapa, FNSC, Danmasani of Ilorin and Chairman Ilorin Emirate Durbar committee, May 22,2025.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has directly connected Nigeria’s increasing rates of kidney failure and heart problems to the widespread use of harmful chemicals for fruit ripening, describing the practice as a national health emergency affecting all social classes.

Speaking during Senate proceedings covered by Platinum TV from 18:40, Akpabio painted a grim picture of the health crisis facing Nigeria. “It is a very sad thing to happen to a country. People are dropping dead in the country, people are having kidney failures and heart issues, and you don’t know they are associated with just the banana, the pawpaw, and the pineapples, and things that you buy maybe by the roadside or you send somebody to the market to go and buy for you,” he stated.

The Senate President emphasized that the crisis transcends economic boundaries. “So, it affects both the rich and the poor lives of every citizen of this country,” he added.

In response to these concerns, the Senate approved several resolutions to address the crisis comprehensively. The upper chamber expanded regulatory oversight beyond the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to include multiple agencies in fruit safety monitoring.

The Senate amended its motion to mandate broader public awareness campaigns. The resolution urges NAFDAC, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and the National Orientation Agency to increase awareness through continuous sensitization and public enlightenment about the hazardous implications of chemical fruit ripening in Nigeria.

The lawmakers also targeted imported fruits, directing the Nigerian Customs Service to ensure that imported fruits, particularly apples, are not preserved with harmful chemical practices.

Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau advocated for criminal penalties to deter the dangerous practice. He urged the Senate to enact legislation that would prosecute and arrest Nigerians caught selling chemically ripened fruits, arguing that such measures would serve as a deterrent to anyone attempting similar practices in the future.

The Senate unanimously approved all resolutions addressing the chemical fruit ripening crisis. Senate President Akpabio directed the Committee on Legal Matters to explore legislative options that would not only ban the practice but impose severe criminal penalties.

The committee received instructions to draft provisions that would criminalize fruit ripening through dangerous chemicals, ensuring both prohibition and stiff punishment for violators.

A stunning admission has been made in Ilorin, Kwara State, when a man who was arrested for kidnapping confessed that he belonged to a ritualist syndicate and had kidnapped numerous children. The suspect, whose name is yet to be officially released, admitted that he could no longer count the number of children they had kidnapped in the past.

The suspect was arrested by the local security forces after he attempted to lure another child into an isolated area. His activities allegedly attracted the attention of people passing by, and the suspect was arrested before he could escape. When questioned, the suspect openly admitted to conducting ritual child kidnappings.

It was to him that he explained how his gang worked with herbalists who used the children for all sorts of ritual operations. He continued to reveal that most of the operations were carried out in other towns, and that their targets were usually vulnerable street children or abandoned kids.

Flashback: Similar Cases Still Fresh in Public Memory
In October 2022, another ritual-related arrest shocked the nation when three men were apprehended in Oyo State for attempting to use a teenage girl for money rituals. That event prompted severe public outrage and led to renewed demands for vigilance by the community and enhanced security. In that scenario, one of the men confessed that they had employed the same method on multiple occasions before they were apprehended.

Back to the Ilorin Incident
When questioned to tell the security officials how many children he and his gang had kidnapped, he said that he lost count. “We have done this so many times, I honestly can’t remember how many,” he told the security officials.

The arrest has generated fear and anger among the residents, especially parents who are afraid for the safety of their children. The local government officials report that they are working to identify other members of the group and recover any missing children involved in their activities.

The Kwara police has vowed to probe the issue and ensure that all those engaged in the acts are brought to book. They also warned people to remain alert and immediately report any suspicious event.

The suspect is meanwhile still in detention as investigations continue.