by Omowumi Omotosho
The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, has dismissed claims of a rift between him and the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as published in an article on the High Life Page of Thisday Newspaper, dated Sunday 5th January 2025.
The article, titled “Who Will Settle the Cold War Between Emir of Ilorin and Kwara Governor?” and authored by Kayode Alfred, was labeled as a deliberate attempt to malign both the royal institution and the state government.
In a statement issued by the Emir’s spokesman, Arowona Abdulazeez, the palace refuted the claims and emphasized the harmonious relationship between the Emir and the governor.
The statement quoted the Personal Assistant to the Emir, Dr. Muritala Abdulraheem clarifying the nature of the relationship, stating, “Since his inception to the seat of Power as the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq CON has been relating with the Emir as his father with utmost respect, trust, and confidence. There is absolute trust and love between the duo and the Emir always accord him high regards as the Number One citizen of the state.
“Emir loves him and he loves the Emir. Anytime the Emir requests to see him, he will insist that the Emir should not come, rather, he will be the person to quickly visit the Emir despite his very tight schedules both in the state and across the country as the Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum. He is the first governor who always responds to the Emir and quickly visits him within a space of less than one hour of telephone calls. All the tours of the Emir are usually sponsored by the Governor.”
The palace also addressed the claims surrounding the Emir’s medical travel arrangements, explaining that the Emir was initially scheduled to travel to Germany for medical checks. However, visa processing challenges for his aides prompted a change in plans.
“Regarding the visa to Germany, His Royal Highness was granted a visa but, we, the aides had some documents such as personal bank statements and I.D cards missing in our files which led to the refusal of our visa applications which is in line with Immigration policies globally. When the governor heard about the refusal, he made arrangements with the France Embassy for us to get a Schengen visa which can also admit us into Germany.
“Following the governor’s directives, I received a call from the France Embassy in less than two hours, and an appointment was fixed for us for capturing, unfortunately, we couldn’t make it due to some other official engagements. However, because of the medical emergency, the Emir consulted the Governor for permission to travel to the Republic of Turkiye where he has previous travel history and documented medical records.
“The governor also enquired from the Emir if he could proceed to Germany from Turkiye but the Emir said he would prefer to go to Germany later after he has returned from Turkiye. The government of Kwara State provided the Chartered Flight through one Mr. Benjamin which conveyed His Royal Highness from Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja where we boarded a flight to Istanbul, Republic Turkiye.
“He made arrangements for all the allowances due to us. Throughout our stay in Turkiye, he ensured constant check on the Emir and progress on his health. He also made the same arrangement for Chartered Flight to bring him back to Ilorin. Nobody, no matter how highly placed can come in between father and son. The Governor has been so nice to a fault and keeping to the traditions and cultures of promoting the welfare and wellbeing of the traditional institution,” Abdulraheem stated.
In response to inquiries about his report, the statement revealed that the author, Kayode Alfred apologized and promised to retract the article after a telephone conversation with a palace representative.
“Ejoor e mabinu, e fori jimi meaning “please don’t be annoyed, forgive me. I will retract it,” Alfred was quoted in the statement.
The statement further warned against attempts to sow discord between the palace and the state government.
“We want to inform the general public that an investigation is ongoing to unravel the mastermind of the frivolous, unwarranted, condemnable, and uncharitable article that is capable of causing crises in the state.
“There is peaceful coexistence and harmonious working synergy between the palace and the Government House under His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON and Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate. Nothing can change the status quo.
“The stool of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR should not become tools of gossip in the hands of mischief makers and enemies of progress under any guise. Please be warned!” the statement concluded.
