Lauds AbdulRazaq’s leadership qualities

By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been named the Sardaunan Ilorin, a prestigious title that the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, said was a compensation for the Governor’s love for and investment in the culture and tradition of Nigeria’s southernmost Emirate.

This makes the Governor the second Sardauna of the ancient town, succeeding Alhaji Umar Saro who died a few years ago.

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, as well as 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 Governor thanked the Emir for the traditional title, which he said is an encouragement to do more for the community and the people.

“On the conferment of the Sardauna of Ilorin title, it is said that it is not an ordinary title, going by the antecedents of those who have occupied the position across Nigeria. We are truly grateful and this encourages us to do more for our communities. Thank you very much indeed, Your Royal Highness,” Governor Abdulrazaq said.

The Governor 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.

The Governor, meanwhile, has expressed his condolences to the Emir over the death of the mother of Stalin Gobir, Alhaji Muhammadu Issa Bawa, which happened recently.