By Tunde Akanbi, Ilorin
About seventeen countries including tourists are expected to grace the weeklong Ilorin Emirate Grand Durbar fiesta, holding in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, North Central Nigeria.
The festival, which is billed for third day of Eid-el-Kabir (Sunday June 9th, 2025), will hold at Kwara Baseball Park, Adewole Area of Ilorin.
Addressing newsmen in Ilorin , the Chairman, Ilorin Emirate Durbar Committee, Engr Suleiman Yahaya Alapansanpa, disclosed that participants, who are expected from different parts of the world, have started arriving in Ilorin in preparation for the event.
He listed United Kingdom, United States, Morocco, Egypt, Niger and Republic of Benin, Sudan, France and Germany among others as the countries where participants are coming from, saying that the feat is possible due to the goodwill of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.
Alapansanpa, who doubles as Danmasani of Ilorin, told Journalists that the festival would also feature indigenous ambassadors, who have also confirmed their interest in participating.
He explained that the multitude of participants from countries around the world in this year’s event is an attestation that the Ilorin Emirate Durbar has gained international recognition and found its way into the global tourism map.
The Durbar Committee chairman noted that the festival transcends cultural event and remains a living testimony to Ilorin’s rich heritage.
He maintained that the cultural fiesta typifies a celebration of unity, peace and enduring harmony in Ilorin community.
Alapansanpa also cleared the air on the controversy surrounding the choice of the venue for the festival, saying that it is the resolve of the Emir of Ilorin to hold it at the Baseball Park to further identify with his people.
He added that the decision of the monarch to settle for the venue unlike the forecourt of his palace, where the previous festivals held, is historic as residents along that axis and its adjoining areas would have a sense of belonging of having the presence of the Emir in their domain.
The committee chairman stated that the venue would host 1000 invited guests and 2000 general guests under a carefully organized pavilion system.
Contrary to insinuation in some quarters, Alapansanpa said the committee is not under any pressure, adding that the event is independent of any government agencies as it is held at the pleasure of the revered traditional ruler.
“The Durbar endures as both a spiritual remembrance and a living harmony, celebrated under the wise and unifying leadership of His Royal Emir of Ilorin.
“This year, in the wisdom of His Royal Highness, the Ilorin Durbar return only 1-kilometer to the Kwara Baseball Park to receive His Royal Highness, who will ride through the historic Ita Ogunbo into Ita Kudimo- reaffirming our enduring story of unity in diversity,” he noted.