The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has formally turbaned an All-Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairmanship aspirant, Mallam Saliu Mustapha, as the fourth Turaki of Ilorin.
The new Turaki is the Chairman of, Saliu Mustapha Foundation.
He is the fourth Turaki of Ilorin. The first Turaki was Alhaji Sanni Olanrewaju Buraimo Okin who was turbaned in 1963, the second Turaki was Late Dr Abubakar Olusola Saraki and the third is the former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki who was later elevated to the position of Waziri of Ilorin Emirate.
The ceremony which attracted dignitaries from across the country and beyond took place on Saturday at the Emir’s palace.
The Kwara State governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, his deputy, Kayode Alabi, the deputy governor of Kogi State, Edward Onoja, the Emir of Bichi, Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero, National and state of Assembly members, notable traditional rulers from the state, President and members of Ilorin Emirate Development Progressives Union, IEDPU, other honorary traditional title holders, friends and well-wishers of the new Turaki graced the occasion.
The Chief Imam of Ilorin, Shiekh Muhammed Bashir Salihu, prayed to God to grant the new Turaki long life and prosperity to handle the new position bestowed on him by the Emir.
He described Saliu Mustapha as a generous and humble personality who has established a very firm reputation for himself which is worthy of emulation adding that he really deserved the honour.
In his remarks, the Emir of Ilorin also described the new Turaki as a very outstanding son of the Ilorin Emirate, an humble personality and someone who has a greater and brighter future before him.
According to him, he is a rare gem and special gift to the downtrodden.
The monarch urged Saliu Mustapha not to relent in his strides and prayed to God to spare his life in good health and guidance.
In his goodwill message, the state governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq said that Saliu Mustapha has been a fine gentleman and a true son of the Ilorin Emirate who has positively impacted the Ilorin Community in his own capacity.
Also Read: Emir of Ilorin rejoices with Muslims @ Eid-Al-Maulud
Speaking with newsmen after his turbanning ceremony, the new Turaki said he accepts the title wholeheartedly stressing that he considers the recognition a great honour, given the importance of the title in the context of development both within and outside the Ilorin Emirate.
Saliu disclosed that whilst he understands the enormity of the responsibilities that comes with the title, he prayed to God to guide and protect him.
The new Turaki seek the support and cooperation of all and sundry in the new task ahead of him.
Zainab Sa’id
