By Abubakar Imam
Let me start by extending my sincere felicitations to the highly distinguished and perpetually tireless Chairman of the Ilorin Emirate Durbar Committee and Danmasani of Ilorin, Engr. Suleiman Ayinde Yahaya Alapansanpa, FNSE, for organising and recording another very successful and fantastic edition of the annual cultural programme.
I equally thank and congratulate other members of the Committee for the great job they did, which culminated in a fantastic episode of the annual programme. The efforts of the Chairman and members showed nothing but patriotism, sincerity and crave for excellence.
Ilorin Durbar is a display of our uniqueness and peculiarity as a people of divergent origins but who have been effectively cemented by Islam and the Alimi heritage as well as a common history epitomised by the institution of the Amirul Mumeen (Emir) of Ilorin.
The programme was so fantastic that indigenes and friends of the Ilorin Emirate, which I always described as the southernmost Emirate, that are scattered across the world, including yours sincerely, were enamoured by the groundbreaking cultural display across the city of Ilorin as graciously led by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin and Custodian of the culture and heritage of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR. The various sights and sounds of the programme were brought to the delight of every Ilorin patriot that were not at home courtesy of the ever-penetrating social media.
As a Pakata boy, I remain delighted that the procession passed through my ancestral home this time around and for the first time since the reintroduction of the cultural programme in 2018. I would have been part of the gracious and fascinating people of the famous Pakata community who trooped out en masse to hail and welcome His Royal Highness on his way through the ancient Pakata Market where His Excellency, the Governor of Kwara State and Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, joined the fascinating procession.
It is quite unfortunate that one of the cultural heroes of our community, who was also the first King of Waka of Ilorin, Alfa AbdulRahman Pakata, aka Pakutu-Pakata or Baba Ile Agor, is no more. He would have provided real time illuminating entertainment for the Emir and his entourage as he offered the 6th Emir of Ilorin, Oba Suleiman ibn Aliyu in February, 1897. A similar artistic performance would have also been offered by Alhaji Akanbi Baba-Olobi, the unquestionable leader of Ajiwere-Ajisari brand of Ilorin cultural performance during the glorious reign of the 9th Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Sulu-Gambari, CFR. It is similarly regrettable that the Cicero of Ilorin, Prof. Shehu Ahmad Jimoh, OON, has passed on. He would have delivered a very stimulating welcome address as he did on behalf of the entire people of Ilorin Emirate at the coronation ceremony of the 10th Emir of Ilorin, Shaykh Aliyu Baba-Agba Abdulkadir in 1992 and repeated the same fantastic oration at the installation of the incumbent Emir, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, on November 11, 1995.
However, I understand that the Alangua of Ubandawaki Ward, Alhaji Yusuf Amuda Mahmood; the Chairman of Pakata Area Development Association,Alhaji Baba-Offa; and the President of “Pakata Patriots”, Ilorin, led the people of Pakata to welcome the Emir and see him off to Alore in continuation of the procession. The Alangua and the individuals mentioned were joined by other indigenes of the community, including members of my nuclear and extended families to pay the Emir the respect he deserves.
From all I have read, this year’s edition was more colourful beyond the expectations of all. It was quite better than each of the previous ones. This is a pleasant and exciting development. A case of Olanrewaju lawa o mon ri (We shall always experience progress and prosperity), Alhamudulahi!!
May Allah grant us long life, sound health and greater prosperity to enable us be part of future editions. May the next year’s edition turnout to be more fantastic and enticing than the one held yesterday. Amin.
Imam is National Secretary,
Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union,
Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
