By Tunde Akanbi , Ilorin
Thousands of dignatories , tourists, top government functionaries, political office holders, various cultural groups, the media, Islamic Scholars, traditional Rulers, musicians and well wishers thronged to the Kwara Baseball Park in Adewole, in the ancient city of Ilorin, the state capital to witness the 2025 Ilorin Emirate Durbar Festival, a colourful celebration of culture, tradition, and unity of the people .
The colourful and historic event, which followed the Eid al-Adha celebration, was marked by a spectacular procession of horsemen, traditional music, and cultural displays.
The procession was led by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, who rode through the historic quarters of the city to receive homage from a cheering crowd which includes dignitaries, title holders among others.
The festival, which has its roots in Islamic and martial traditions, drew participants from across Nigeria and beyond.
Over 17 countries, including the United Kingdom, Morocco, Egypt, Benin Republic, and the United States, were represented by cultural envoys and tourists.
The origin of the Durbar celebrations among the people of Ilorin is dated back in the year 1830 during the moments that followed Ilorin ‘s victory of combined forces of old Oyo Empire and the Baruba’s from the North.
The Chairman of the Ilorin Emirate Durbar Committee, Engr. Yahaya Alapansanpa, who flagged off the event at the Emir’s Palace, described the Durbar as a spiritual, cultural, and unifying tradition that reflects Ilorin’s identity as a city of peace and diversity.
“This festival goes beyond pageantry. It is a celebration of harmony, heritage, and Islamic values,” he said.
In his address at the venue , he disclosed that the Ilorin Emirate Durbar has maintained and sustained its uniqueness.
According to him, it is becoming totally unique compared to what is done in other Emirates which according to him, is due to the fact that its uniqueness as a people is manifesting in the festival.
Alapansanpa commended the state Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Sarduana of Ilorin for supporting the festival since his assumption of office in 2019 and praised him on the numerous achievements of his administration in the last six years.
He, however , appealed to the governor for more support for the annual festival for it to have greater impact and record more colourful participation of tourists from far and beyond the shores of Nigeria.
The. Chairman of the committee appreciated the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari for sustaining the Durbar Festival since it’s resuscitation in 2018 stressing that Ilorin Emirate has not remained the same especially in the realms of cultural evolution and economic development.
Alapansanpa added that the festival has continuously served it’s essence by attracting tourists and other stakeholders from far and near and that it is also incontrovertible that the people of the Emirate are benefitting greatly from the annual festival.
This year’s edition, themed “Unity in Diversity: Ilorin’s Timeless Gift,” showcased the emirate’s multi-ethnic heritage with Fulani, Yoruba, Kanuri, Gobir, Nupe, and Baruba elements on display.
To accommodate the growing number of guests, the venue was moved from the Emir’s palace to the more spacious Kwara Baseball Park.
Two new pavilions, each with a 1,500 seating capacity, were constructed to enhance comfort and access for attendees.
The Emir, who was dressed in flowing robes and turban, moved with royal elegance alongside hundreds of horsemen adorned in traditional attire.
They passed through Ilorin’s inner city in a route historically referred to as “Jahi,” accompanied by drummers, praise-singers, and ceremonial gunfire.
The Durbar continues to boost tourism and local commerce. Hotels, restaurants, artisans, and transport operators all reported increased patronage during the festival week.
The President of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Bolaji Mustafa said the Ilorin Durbar is now a major fixture on Nigeria’s cultural calendar.
“This festival is drawing tourists and travel operators from across the country. It’s a strong platform to promote Nigeria’s cultural richness,” he said.
Other notable dignitaries present at the historic event include Dr. Alimi AbdulRazaq, the Mutawalli of Ilorin, the Zanna of Ilorin, Engineer Lanre Sagaya, the National President , Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressuves Union, IEDPU, Alhaji Abdulmuunini Abdulmalik , the Group Managing Director , Kam Wire Holding Limited, Dr Kamoru Yusuf , a Seasoned Travel and Tour Consultant, Hajia Faridah Sagaya, political appointees and aides of the state Governor including the Special Adviser and Counsellor , Alhaji Saadu Salau, state Commissioner for Communication and Culture, Bolanle Olukoju, that of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Afeez Abolore, Dr Mohammed Ghali, the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Alhaji Rasaq Jidda, Engr. Raman Giwa, an APC Chieftain and Business Mugul, Ambassador Abdulfatai Seriki and some members of the State House of Assembly.
In December 2024, UNESCO inscribed Ilorin Grand Durbar alongside other Durbar festivals in Nigeria on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, a development that stakeholders say has further boosted its global appeal.
Social media also played a key role this year. The hashtag #DurbarIsIlorin trended across X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram, with content creators sharing colourful images and videos of the Emir’s procession, traditional displays, and behind-the-scenes moments.
Residents and visitors also praised the peaceful conduct of the festival and its cultural significance.
“I came all the way from Kaduna, and I’m glad I did,” said Amina Salihu, a tourist. “The Durbar is more than just horses, it is about identity and community.”
Speaking at the close of the event, the Emir of Ilorin expressed gratitude to the committee, residents, and government, partners for their support.
“I thank Almighty Allah for the success of this year’s Durbar and pray for continued peace and development in Ilorin Emirate and Nigeria as a whole,”“he said.
Reflecting on the importance of the festival, the Special Adviser and Counsellor to the state governor, Alhaji Saadu Salau
reassured the people of the Ilorin Emirate of the resolve of the state government to continue to promote and uplift their rich culture and heritage .
Among those that also graced the occasion are
the Director- General National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism
Aare (Dr) Abisoye Fagade ,
the Director- General, National Council for Arts and Culture, (NCAC) Mr Obi Asika, Dr Safiya Sani
,Mr Suleiman Yahaya
Mr Sunny Adeyi and Mrs Nonye Ayeni as well as Hajia Faridah Sagaya, the Chief Executive Officer, Angel Style World Travels And Tours Limited among others .