We understand that tremendous pressure was put on the Ilorin Emirates Council by the Government of the state to stop the Waziri of Ilorin from attending the event. Abdulrazaq is jittery that the former Governor, Dr. Saraki, will steal the show as usual
By Abdulrahman Aliagan reports from Ilorin,
In a move to maintain peace and order, former Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki has decided not to attend the annual Durbar festival in Ilorin, his hometown. Saraki, who holds the prestigious title of Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin, cited pressure from the state government as the reason for his absence.
According to a statement released by Saraki’s media aide, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, the state government, led by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, had put “tremendous pressure” on the Ilorin Emirate Council to prevent Saraki from attending the event. The governor is reportedly “jittery” that Saraki’s presence would overshadow the festivities.
“We understand that tremendous pressure was put on the Ilorin Emirates Council by the Government of the state to stop the Waziri of Ilorin from attending the event. Abdulrazaq is jittery that the former Governor, Dr. Saraki, will steal the show as usual,” the statement read.
Saraki, who is the highest-ranking traditional title holder in Ilorin, has decided to stay away from the event to maintain peace and order. The decision came after respected traditional title holders and prominent Islamic scholars appealed to him not to attend.
“Regrettably, I wish to announce that for peace and tranquility, I am staying away from the Durban celebration this year,” Saraki said.
The former Senate President also expressed his love for the Ilorin Emirate community and his commitment to an atmosphere of peace. He wished the organizers of the event a successful celebration and urged the people to celebrate with moderation and eschew any act that could disrupt the peace and orderliness in the state.
The Durbar festival is a centuries-old cultural event that celebrates the power and influence of traditional rulers in northern Nigeria. It is a highly anticipated event in Ilorin, with thousands of people gathering to witness the parade of the Emir and his entourage.
