Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State has been thrown into frenzy following the naming of the state's governor and chairman of the Nigeria's Governors' Forum(NGF) as the second Sardauna of Ilorin by the Emir of Ilorin and chairman of the state Traditional Rulers Council, Alh Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.
The Emir who announced the appointment last Thursday said the prestigious title compensates for the governor's love for and investment in the culture and tradition of Nigeria's southernmost Emirate.
At a brief event announcing the traditional title, the Emir commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his leadership qualities and his efforts to promote the interest of the community, including his unmatched support for the Durbar.
Reputed for his humility,
hands-on approach to governance, and commitment to people's welfare, the Governor had earlier been given different traditional titles across the state, such as Soludero of Offa Kingdom; Sadaukin Lafiagi; Kauran Kaiama; and Akorede of Oro Kingdom, among others.
The Emir commended the governor for his excellent leadership role in the state and at the national level as NGF chairman.
"I am convinced that Governor AbdulRazaq is not only popular, but he also believes in and promotes our tradition and custom. He made sure he participated actively in the annual Ilorin Grand Durbar. So he deserves the honour of a Chieftaincy title to do more. For this reason and by my prerogative power, I confer on you the Sardauna of Ilorin from today," the Emir declared.
"In our long-standing practices, one of the prominent qualities we always consider before conferring chieftaincy titles is popularity. We usually consider whether or not such a person is famous within his immediate community and beyond.
"From all indications, Governor AbdulRazaq is popular both at home and abroad, and widely celebrated, to the extent of being chosen as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum."
The Emir described AbdulRazaq as a lover and promoter of peace, an attribute he noted is responsible for the Governor's continued progress.
"Let us be thankful to God that we are gifted this kind of Governor. Despite all forms of security challenges across the country, Kwara has been relatively peaceful. We must give credit to the God Almighty who accepts our prayers, and to the Governor for encouraging peace. That is why he has been progressive and he will continue to progress," he added.
The governor thanked the Emir for the traditional title, which he said is an encouragement to do more for the community and the people.
AbdulRazaq commended the Emir and other traditional rulers for maintaining peace and stability in their domains, saying the Northern Nigeria Governors' Forum believes that constitutional roles be given to the traditional rulers in the country.
"Today's visit was to thank the traditional council personified by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, and to also thank him for the peace we enjoy during the protest across Nigeria", the Governor said.
In a congratulatory message, the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU)described the conferment of the Sardauna title on the governor as highly meritorious and well deserved.
The national president of IEDPU, Alh Abdulmumini Abdulmalik, in a statement said that the governor deserved the honour in view of his numerous fascinating contributions to the peace and progress of Ilorin Emirate before and since his assumption of office as the chief executive of the state.
The community leader thanked the Emir for always recognising worthy virtues in his subjects with deserved honours, saying that no other Emir in the history of the Emirate has done as much in conferring honours on deserving members of the community.
The speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu said AbdulRazaq is most deserving of the prestigious title of the Sardauna Ilorin.
Danladi-Salihu, in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, AbdulKadir Yusuf, described AbdulRazaq as a replica of the late Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, reputed for his visionary leadership in Nigeria.
"As the news broke out on Thursday of the conferment of the title of Sardauna Ngeri on our ebullient and magnificent governor, we remember the late Sardauna of Sokoto with whom Mallam AbdulRazaq is having a strike resemblance, especially when one looks at the many giant strides of his administration in the state in the last five years.
"Governor AbdulRazaq's visionary leadership, modernization efforts, commitment to education and healthcare, and respect for traditional institutions among others stand him out as an illustrious son of the soil, hence Mai Martaba's choice is better described as putting the round peg in a round hole," the speaker said.
The Gamji Members Association (GAMA) also rejoiced with AbdulRazaq on his well deserved appointment as Sardauna of Ilorin.
The association described the Sardauna title as a unique title befitting only a unique personality like Governor AbdulRazaq.
GAMA, an association devoted to the promotion of the ideals of the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, noted that there's a striking semblance in the leadership qualities of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello and Governor AbdulRazaq.
In a statement signed by its president general, Alh Mohammed Tunde Akanbi and the publicity secretary, Alh Abdullahi Olesin, GAMA hailed the Emir's thoughtfulness in appointing the governor as the second Sardauna of Ilorin.
In its message,the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) hailed AbdulRazaq, for the prestigious title of Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate.
In a statement jointly signed by the Council Chairman, Abdullateef Ahmed, and secretary, Olayinka Alaya, the NUJ described AbdulRazaq's pick as a well deserved honour.
It noted that the appointment of the governor into the covetous honorary traditional title reflects his unwavering commitment to the overall progress and transformation of Kwara State, particularly Ilorin, the capital city.
The NUJ praised Governor AbdulRazaq for his administration's impactful initiatives including the extensive road projects across the three senatorial districts and the urban renewal projects aimed at modernizing Ilorin and other key towns.
These efforts, the union noted, are critical in making the state more attractive to investors and improving the quality of life of the residents.
The director general of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Abuja, Prof. Sulaiman Abubakar extended his congratulations to Governor AbdulRazaq, on his conferment with the chieftaincy title of Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate.
Sulaiman praised the governor's recognition as an acknowledgement of his exceptional qualities and dedication to service and noted that Kwara State is thankful for his relentless efforts.
The statement reads: "Your Excellency, I extend my warmest congratulations to you on being conferred with the chieftaincy title of Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate by the Emir of Ilorin and chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari. This is a well-deserved honour.
"I am not surprised by this recognition, as a fellow native who has observed your leadership and appreciates your contributions to our state and nation.
"Indeed, you have demonstrated dynamism, focus, efficiency, and integrity in the way you have governed our state. Your innovation towards transforming Kwara State has made your administration exemplary."
The Governing Council of Kwara State University under the chairmanship of Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali has also congratulated Governor AbdulRazaq on the conferment of the title of Sardauna of Ilorin on him.
The Council said that the appointment is an acknowledgement of the governor's contribution to the growth and development of Ilorin, Kwara State, and Nigeria as a whole, adding that: "That it is coming from the royal father of Ilorin is also a testament that the people recognise and appreciate Mallam AbdulRazaq as a man who loves his people and is working for the upliftment of the state.
"The Governing Council of KWASU considers the conferment of the title of Sardauna on Governor AbdulRazaq as most heartwarming and encouraging. We are convinced that this would spur the Governor even more to continue on the path of developing the state," it said.
The Alliance For Sustainable Kwara (ASK), an association devoted to the promotion of the ideals, programmes, policies and achievements of the Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, also rejoiced with the governor on the conferment of the prestigious title of Sardauna of Ilorin on him .
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The association in a statement personally signed by its chairman,Alh Razaq Lawal, described the conferment of the Sardauna title on Governor AbdulRazaq as well deserved.
Describing Governor AbdulRazaq as a pacesetter, silent and humble achiever, Lawal said the honor done the governor by no less a personality than the Emir of Ilorin and chairman, Kwara State Council of Traditional rulers is a testament to the governor's milestone achievements in the last five years of his people - centred administration.
Lawal thanked the Emir for finding Governor AbdulRazaq worthy of the unique appointment.
The lawmaker representing Kwara Central in the National Assembly, Senator Saliu Mustapha, also congratulated the governor on his conferment as the new Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate.
In a personally signed statement, Mustapha, who is the Turaki of Ilorin Emirate, expressed his delight at the honor bestowed upon Governor AbdulRazaq by the Emir of Ilorin.
He noted that the conferment of the Sardauna title is a testament to Governor Abdulrazaq's outstanding contributions to the development of the Ilorin Emirate and his leadership qualities.
Also, the vice chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN) has congratulated Governor AbdulRazaq on his appointment as the Sarduana of Ilorin.
In a statement issued by the University's director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun, Egbewole described the appointment as befitting and well deserved.
Egbewole said that the governor deserves the traditional title conferred on him, considering his excellent personal qualities, numerous contributions and exemplary impacts as a political leader and a distinguished son of Ilorin.
He particularly appreciated the tireless efforts of the governor in ensuring that peace and harmony prevail across Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State at large of which the University has been a significant beneficiary.
