The Emir of Ilorin and chairman, Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alh Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari yesterday warned political office holders in Kwara State against betraying the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Sulu-Gambari emphasized that, “ anyone that betrays Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, betrays Ilorin”, warning political office holders of the dire consequences of act of betrayal.
The emir spoke when Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq, the Mutawali of Ilorin, led a mammoth crowd of family members, associates , members of the State Executive Council and well-wishers on a thank-you visit to the Emir’s Palace in Ilorin, the state capital, on the title of Sardauna of Ilorin conferred on Governor AbdulRazaq.
Sulu-Gambari recalled that his own father, the 9th Emir of Ilorin, Alh Sulukarnaini Gambari also gave similar warning to the commissioners serving under the late General AbdulKareem Adisa in Oyo State when they accompanied Adisa to the palace in 1992.
He poured encomiums on Alimi and AbdulRahman, who are sons of the first Mutawali of Ilorin, the late AGF AbdulRazaq( SAN).
The emir said that the two brothers earned the titles bestowed on them by the palace, emphasising that: “ They merited the titles. We don’t give award to people who do not merit it. I thank Allah for their lives.”
Describing Governor AbdulRazaq as a blessing to Ilorin Emirate, the emir said his appointment as the chairman of the Nigeria’s Governors Forum(NGF) is a show of Allah’ s love for Ilorin Emirate and testament to answered prayers.
“Governor AbdulRazaq earned his appointment as NGF chairman because it takes a knowledgeable person to lead such a group of knowledgeable personalities.
“The Almighty Allah will answer Governor AbdulRazaq’s prayers and further elevate him. He’s doing well and has been bringing fortunes to the state and Ilorin, “ Sulu-Gambari declared.
The emir also praised Dr. Alimi AbdulRazaq, recalling, “ Dr.Alimi and I started our relationship about 50 years ago. And during this period, I’ve yet to see his shortcomings.”
Earlier, Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq, had pledged allegiance to the Emir, assuring him that he and Governor AbdulRazaq will justify the confidence reposed in them.
He added that,” we shall deliver excellently on the task that Your Royal Highness assigned us through the titles of Mutawali and Sardauna bestowed on us.”
Alimi who spoke through Dr Yusuf Lawal said: “ We come with our family members, friends and well wishers to come and thank the Emir. It’s rare for a family to have two distinct titles- Mutawali and Sardauna of Ilorin at the same time.”
“ Our family members and friends are happy that their sons got the titles based on their pedigree and conduct and consideration for the future of Ilorin, “ Alimi said.
Prominent dignitaries that accompanied the Mutawali to the palace included the Magajin Garin of Ilorin, majority leader, Kwara State House of Assembly, Barr. AbdulKadir Magaji, the secretary to the state government, Prof. Mamman Saaba, the senior adviser/counselor, Alh Saadu Salahu and commissioners in the state government.
Others are the non- executive director of NNPCL, Dr Ghali Alaaya, former vice chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof AbdulGaniyu Ambali, special adviser on Media, Alh Bashiru Adigun, special adviser ,Special Duties, Alh AbdulRasaq Jiddah and senior special assistant on Religion (Islam), Alh Ibrahim Danmaigoro.