24/08/2026
I wish to make a sincere appeal to the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the Turaki of Ilorin, Senator Saliu Mustapha, to rise above their political differences and preserve the bonds of brotherhood, mutual respect and shared heritage that unite the people of Ilorin.
I am making this appeal with particular sincerity because of my longstanding personal relationships with both men. I have known the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for almost 40 years, and I have known the Turaki of Ilorin, Senator Saliu Mustapha, for almost 10 years. I have enjoyed a good personal relationship with both of them, and I regard them both as brothers and friends.
Over the years, I have personally witnessed the mutual respect and regard that existed between these two distinguished sons of Ilorin. It is therefore regrettable to see political differences create a situation that could potentially affect the bonds that have existed between them and, by extension, the unity of our people.
I firmly believe that there is much more that unites the Sardauna and the Turaki than divides them. Whatever political differences may exist today should not be allowed to erase years of friendship, mutual respect and shared history.
Before politics, there is brotherhood. Before political parties, there is Ilorin. That bond must remain stronger than whatever political differences may exist between us.
Politics is a contest. We may disagree today and agree tomorrow, but bitterness should never be allowed to take the place of brotherhood. Political competition is part of democratic life, but it must not degenerate into personal hostility or destroy relationships that have taken decades to build.
I therefore appeal particularly to the supporters and loyalists of both leaders to exercise restraint in their public engagements. They should refrain from personal attacks, provocative statements, insults and campaigns of calumny.
Loyalty does not mean hatred. You can defend your leader without insulting another man's leader. You can disagree without destroying relationships. Supporting one political leader should never require treating another as an enemy.
We must be careful with the words we use. A political statement made today may create a wound that takes years to heal. We should not sacrifice the peace, unity and dignity of Ilorin for temporary political battles.
Ilorin is one big family. We may belong to different political camps, but we still share the same heritage. We are connected by blood, marriage, history, culture and ancestry. When political disagreements begin to affect these relationships, the entire community feels the consequences.
I appeal to the Sardauna and the Turaki to remember that their responsibilities extend beyond politics. Their traditional titles carry responsibilities that transcend political seasons.
Our traditional titles are not merely for decoration. They come with responsibility. We have inherited a respected institution and a rich heritage from our forefathers, and it is our duty to protect its dignity and pass it on to the next generation.
Governments will change. Political alliances will change. Elections will come and go. But Ilorin will remain. The traditional institutions and heritage we inherited from our forefathers must therefore remain above political disagreements.
As traditional titleholders, we have a responsibility to bring our people together, especially when there are disagreements. We must always look for what unites us rather than what divides us.
I therefore urge the Sardauna and the Turaki to lead by example by keeping open channels of dialogue and maintaining mutual respect, regardless of their political differences.
Let the two leaders show the way. Where there is disagreement, let there be dialogue. Where there is suspicion, let there be understanding. Their supporters will follow their example.
I also appeal to political actors and their supporters to redirect their energy towards issues that affect the welfare and development of our people. The people are looking to their leaders for development, peace and good governance. They do not want to see their leaders and supporters fighting endlessly. They want us to build Ilorin together.
Our political contests today should not be allowed to define the relationships and heritage that will remain for generations.
Our children will inherit the relationships we preserve and the institutions we protect. We must therefore ask ourselves what kind of Ilorin we want to leave behind for them.
Let us disagree politically without becoming enemies. Let us compete without destroying one another. Let us defend our political interests without attacking the dignity of others.
Above all, let us preserve the peace, unity and dignity of Ilorin for our children and generations yet unborn.
Alhaji Yakubu Gobir
Sarkin Gobir and Madawaki of Ilorin Emirate
