Ado Bayero, Sulu- Gambari Seek Stronger Tie Between Kano, Ilorin Emirates

By Steve Oni, Ilorin

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu- Gambari and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, have expressed their readiness to ensure that the age long cordial relationship existing between the two emirates continue to blossom.

The two front line monarchs disclosed this on Thursday on arrival of Emir Ado Bayero at the inner palace of his host at Oja- Oba in Ilorin, Kwara state. Ado Bayero arrived at the palace of the Emir of Ilorin at about 3:45 pm .

Welcoming his guest, Sulu- Gambari said: “I’m very happy to have your Royal Highness in Ilorin, the city of Sheikh Alimi. Your visit today (Thursday) is historical in the history of both Kano and Ilorin emirates.”

Responding, the Emir of Kano said: ” I’m happy to be in Ilorin. I thank the people of Ilorin for this wonderful reception. I’m overwhelmed.”

The Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Mohammed Bashir Salihu, had in a brief prayer enjoined Allah to grant Sulu- Gambari and Ado Bayero long life and peaceful reign in their respective emirates.

Emir Ado Bayero, had arrived in Ilorin International Airport at 1.45 pm to a tumultuous reception by a mammoth crowd.

Cultural dancers and drummers also found their ways into the airport to welcome the august visitor with sounds of drums and songs renting the air.

Commercial tricycle riders conveying residents also stormed the Ilorin international airport to pay obeisance to the Emir of Kano.

Some horse riders dressed in beautiful regalia were stationed at the Ilorin General Hospital area on Lagos road to receive Ado Bayero and lead him to the palace of the Emir of Ilorin.

Security personnel from the Nigeria police force, DSS, NSCDC, and even the local vigilantes were mobilised on the streets and inside the airport to maintain law and order.

Officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) were also stationed at strategic locations within the metropolis to ensure free flow of traffic.

The state government had earlier called on members of the public to accord the Emir a befitting welcome.

The government also urged citizens to do so within the limits allowed by the NCDC safety protocols for COVID-19

“We call on citizens, especially those in the state capital, Ilorin, to accord the revered Emir a welcome that is befitting of his distinguished royal stool,” the government said in a statement by the Commissioner for Communications, Harriet Afolabi-Oshatimehin.

“The state government is indeed glad and honoured to welcome the Emir of Kano, and wishes His Royal Highness a memorable stay in the state of harmony,” Afolabi -Oshatimehin stated.

The Emir of Kano is expected to pay a courtesy visit on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Friday. He will later observe the Juma’at service at the Ilorin Juma’at Central Mosque, alongside his host, the Emir of Ilorin, Alh Ibrahim Sulu- Gambari.

Thereafter, a reception will be organised for Ado Bayero at the palace of the Emir of Ilorin.

Ado Bayero is the son of a daughter of the 8th Emir of Ilorin, Malam Abdulkadir Dan Bawa.