The Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has applauded organisers of the 2026 Ilorin Emirate Durbar, following what he described as a successful outing that attracted attention from within and outside Nigeria.
The monarch, who is also the Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, gave the commendation while receiving the report of the 2026 Durbar from the Chairman of the Ilorin Emirate Durbar Committee and Danmasani of Ilorin, Suleiman Alapansanpa, at his palace in Ilorin.
Sulu-Gambari said he was impressed by the remarkable improvements recorded during this year’s edition, particularly the participation of cultural groups from different parts of Nigeria and abroad, as well as the involvement of multinational organisations.
According to the Emir, the growing profile of the festival demonstrates its potential to serve as a platform for promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage and strengthening ties between communities across national boundaries.
He also expressed satisfaction that despite the large turnout witnessed during the celebration, there was no record of casualty before, during or after the event.
The Emir described the development as a testament to effective planning and coordination by the organisers and security agencies.
The monarch commended the administration of the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for its support for the festival.
He equally thanked traditional rulers, religious leaders, community groups and residents of the Ilorin Emirate for their contributions to the success of the event.
Earlier, Alapansanpa said the 2026 edition had been widely adjudged the best in the history of the festival, noting that its audience extended far beyond Nigeria through online broadcasts watched by thousands of Ilorin indigenes in the diaspora and their associates across the world.
He said the Ilorin Durbar remains distinct from similar festivals because of its unique identity, which includes the colourful display of hundreds of horses, exhibitions of the Emirate’s rich cultural traditions and the spirit of unity and mutual respect among participants.
Tourism Asset
The committee chairman stated that the increasing international visibility of the festival has positioned it as an important cultural and tourism asset capable of enhancing Nigeria’s image on the global stage.
He thanked the Emir, government institutions, security agencies, corporate organisations and members of the public for their support, assuring that preparations for the next edition would begin early to ensure an even more successful outing.
The event featured the presentation of cash prizes and plaques to outstanding participants in traditional dressing, horse riding and recitation of the Holy Quran.
