Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has congratulated his Kwara State counterpart and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, following his turbaning as the Sardauna of Ilorin by the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.
Yusuf described the traditional honour as recognition of AbdulRazaq’s leadership, public service and contributions to the development and unity of Nigeria, according to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Tuesday.
The turbaning ceremony is taking place on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the Emir’s Palace in Ilorin, where the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, is conferring the title on the governor.
Abba Yusuf Hails Abdulrazaq’s Public Service
Governor Yusuf said the conferment of the Sardauna of Ilorin title represented a significant traditional honour for AbdulRazaq.
According to the Kano governor, the title reflects the confidence and respect placed in AbdulRazaq by the people and traditional institution of Ilorin.
Yusuf also commended his Kwara counterpart for what he described as exemplary leadership, commitment to good governance and contributions to the development and unity of Nigeria.
He prayed for AbdulRazaq to receive continued wisdom, strength and good health as he takes on the responsibilities associated with the traditional title.
The Kano governor further wished AbdulRazaq success in his continued service to the people of Kwara State and Nigeria.
Emir of Ilorin Confers Sardauna Title
The traditional honour comes as AbdulRazaq, who has served as Kwara State governor since 2019 and currently chairs the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, assumes the traditional position of Sardauna of Ilorin.
The Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, announced that the title was being conferred on AbdulRazaq in recognition of his leadership, commitment to peace and unity, and developmental activities across Kwara State.
The State House also confirmed the ceremony and said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulated AbdulRazaq on the conferment of the title. The presidency described the honour as recognition of his leadership, public service and contributions to Kwara State.
A Traditional Title With Historical Significance
The Sardauna title carries historical significance in Northern Nigeria, particularly because of its association with Sir Ahmadu Bello, the former Premier of Northern Nigeria.
However, AbdulRazaq’s title is specifically Sardauna of Ilorin, a traditional title within the Ilorin Emirate rather than the historic political office once held by Ahmadu Bello.
Kwara State Government officials have highlighted the distinction while discussing the significance of the title and its connection with Ilorin’s traditional institution.
Reports on the ceremony have also noted that the late businessman and philanthropist Umaru Saro previously held the Sardauna title in Ilorin.
National Attention on Ilorin Ceremony
The turbaning has attracted attention beyond Kwara State, with senior political and traditional figures expected to participate in events surrounding the occasion.
Vice President Kashim Shettima was scheduled to attend the ceremony, with reports indicating that he would represent President Tinubu.
Premium Times reported that the ceremony was scheduled to take place at the Emir’s Palace in Ilorin, while other activities were planned around the event.
The day’s programme also includes the commissioning of major infrastructure projects in Ilorin, including the Kwara Garment Factory and the 11-storey Kwara Revenue House, according to reports on the state government’s programme.
Other Leaders Congratulate Abdulrazaq
Yusuf’s message is part of a series of congratulatory messages from political, traditional and institutional figures following AbdulRazaq’s elevation.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, also congratulated AbdulRazaq, describing the traditional honour as a mark of trust, confidence and recognition of his service to Kwara State and Nigeria.
The Sultan said AbdulRazaq’s experience in governance, leadership, intergovernmental relations, religious understanding and peace-building would be valuable in his new traditional responsibility.
The Sarkin Gobir and Madawaki of Ilorin Emirate, Yakubu Garba Gobir, also congratulated the governor and described the title as an acknowledgement of his contributions to the Ilorin Emirate and its people.
Why the Turbaning Matters
The development highlights the continuing role of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s public and cultural life.
While elected officials derive their authority through constitutional and electoral processes, traditional titles serve a different cultural and historical function. In this case, the Sardauna title connects AbdulRazaq’s public role with the traditional institution of the Ilorin Emirate.
The ceremony also brings together political leadership and traditional authority at a time when AbdulRazaq occupies a prominent national position as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
For Kano State and Kwara State, Yusuf’s congratulatory message also reflects the inter-state relationships that exist among Nigeria’s governors and their institutions.
What Happens Next
Following his turbaning, AbdulRazaq is expected to assume the responsibilities associated with the Sardauna of Ilorin title while continuing his constitutional duties as Kwara State governor.
The Emir of Ilorin has also directed that the occasion be used to offer prayers for continued peace, progress and prosperity in Ilorin Emirate, Kwara State and Nigeria.
The development therefore combines a traditional ceremony with wider public and governmental activities, placing Ilorin at the centre of national attention as AbdulRazaq formally assumes the new traditional responsibility.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- Kano State Governor’s statement, as reported by Gazette Nigeria
- The State House, Abuja
- Vanguard
- Premium Times
- Kwara State Government
- The Guardian Nigeria
- Emirate Radio
