By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin
There are ceremonies, and there are occasions that remain memorable for the scale, colour and significance attached to them.
Wednesday’s turbaning of the Executive Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as Sardauna of the Ilorin Emirate was one such occasion.
From the palace gates to the inner court, the ceremony brought together traditional title holders, political leaders, members of the governor’s family, supporters and residents of the emirate in a colourful and dignified celebration.
The occasion also featured the commissioning of two completed legacy projects of the AbdulRazaq administration, the 11-storey headquarters of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS) along Ahmadu Bello Way and the Garment Factory along Airport Road, both in Ilorin.
The projects were commissioned by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
A TITLE WITH HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The title Sardauna is a traditional Northern Nigerian title with historical associations with military and royal authority. In different historical contexts, the term has been used in connection with roles such as a commander or senior military figure within a royal establishment.
Its conferment on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq therefore carried considerable traditional significance, coming as it did during the final months of his second term in office.
AbdulRazaq, who is also Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and President of the Forum of Regions of Africa, has had a political career marked by his involvement in both state and national affairs.
The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, in a statement by his spokesperson, Dr Abdulazeez Arowona, said the title was conferred on Governor AbdulRazaq in recognition of his outstanding leadership, commitment to peace and unity, and the developmental strides recorded across Kwara State under his administration.
With the governor due to bow out of office in six months and embark on another political journey, the turbaning added another traditional honour to his public career.
WHEN THE PALACE DRESSED FOR THE OCCASION
The Ilorin Emir’s Palace was specially decorated for the ceremony.
From the main gate to the inner court, the palace reflected the significance of the occasion, while residents of the emirate turned out in large numbers, with arrangements made to enable them to witness the ceremony.
Traditional title holders and palace officials were dressed in their distinctive traditional attire. The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, was also resplendent in his traditional outfit, as were the high chiefs and palace staff, popularly known as “Dongari.” The Dongari appeared in a distinctive outfit specially suited to the occasion.
THE ABDULRAZAQ FAMILY IN ATTENDANCE
The AbdulRazaq family also played a visible part in the celebration.
The governor’s siblings arrived with their children, joining him to mark the occasion. The male members of the family were dressed in traditional outfits befitting title holders, while the women wore expensive fabrics fashioned into beautifully knitted and decent designs.
The family’s presence added a strong personal dimension to the ceremony as relatives gathered to celebrate one of their own.
TWENTY EXPATRIATES EMBRACE THE CULTURE
Among the guests were about twenty expatriates who appeared in specially branded Ankara outfits manufactured for the occasion, complete with matching caps.
Scores of supporters of the governor and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), also wore the specially branded Ankara, adding to the colour of the gathering.
The expatriates, in particular, attracted attention by participating respectfully in the traditional setting. They sat on mats in front of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Sulu Gambari, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and other dignitaries who were seated on sofas.
Their participation offered another visible reflection of the cultural character of the occasion.
SECURITY AND HOSPITALITY
Security was tight at the palace, as expected for a gathering involving the Vice President, the Emir and several other senior government officials.
Security officers screened those permitted into the inner court, while the process remained orderly.
Journalists who arrived for live broadcasts and routine coverage were provided ample space to carry out their duties. Water and soft drinks were also supplied to guests and members of the media.
SENATOR KHAIRAT GWADABE AT THE CENTRE OF THE ARRANGEMENTS
The first child of AbdulRazaq dynasty, Senator Khairat Gwadabe, was particularly visible throughout the ceremony.
She moved from one point to another, thanking guests for attending while also ensuring that different aspects of the arrangements were carried out as planned.
Her presence was noticeable as the family and organisers coordinated the many activities surrounding the event.
THE SARDAUNA ARRIVES
Then came the arrival of the man at the centre of the ceremony.
For the turbaning, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq arrived in his usual Hilux vehicle, accompanied by just one backup car.
In keeping with tradition, he subsequently mounted the beautifully decorated giant horse and proceeded towards the inner court.
The moment brought together the governor’s public office and the traditional setting in which he was about to receive his new title. At the inner court, he was received for the historic turbaning by the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari.
A GATHERING OF TRADITION AND GOVERNMENT
The Emir was seated beside Vice President Kashim Shettima and other members of the Federal Executive Council, including the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi.
Serving and former ministers, as well as senior federal and state government officials, were also present.
The Turbaning ceremony witnessed large turnout of dignitaries which also included the governors of Niger state,Umar Bago, Kaduna state, Senator Uba Sani, Imo state ,Hope Uzodinma , Katsina state, Umar Radda and Kebbi state.
Others are minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Emir of Zazzau Emirate , Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamali and the Soun of Ogbomoso , Oba Afolabi Gandi Laoye 11,
The governors of Sokoto, Sokoto, Anambra, Nasarawa, Delta, Ondo and Oyo states were also represented by their deputies .
Among the notable industrialists at the ceremony was Alhaji Rabiu of BUA, alongside other prominent figures from Nigeria’s business and industrial community.
The gathering therefore brought together the traditional institution, political leadership, government officials and members of the business community.
FROM THE PALACE TO ATLANTIC EVENT CENTRE
After the palace ceremony, the celebration continued at the Atlantic Event Centre along Ajase-Ipo Road, Ilorin.
Guests were entertained with assorted food and drinks as family members, political associates, traditional leaders, government officials and other guests continued the celebration.
By the end of the day, the turbaning of AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as Sardauna of the Ilorin Emirate had combined traditional ceremony with political and social gathering, against the backdrop of the governor’s final months in office.
It was a colourful and significant occasion in Ilorin—one that brought together the emirate’s traditional institution, the governor’s family, political leaders, government officials, supporters and guests from within and outside Nigeria.
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