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.
