Rain Of Encomiums As Governor AbdulRazaq Is Turbaned Sardauna Of Ilorin Emirate

Wednesday, September 16,2026 will forever remain evergreen in the minds of the people of Ilorin Emirate and their admirers. This was the day that played host to the historic turbaning of the Kwara State governor and chairman of the Nigeria’s Governors Forum ( NGF) AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate.

The event was a grand celebration that attracted dignitaries from across Nigeria, including the Vice President, governors, senators, traditional rulers, and other distinguished guests.

In Islamic parlance, Wednesday is regarded as ” the day of light” and this Wednesday proved to be so as the occasion beamed light on the prime of place Governor AbdulRazaq occupies in the affairs of Nigeria and the critical role he is playing in the growth and development of the country.

The overwhelming goodwill messages from President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, governors, monarchs, institutions and even the commoners point to one thing – Governor AbdulRazaq is a man of honour,a statesman and a quintessential leader!

In an apparent appreciation of AbdulRazaq’s contribution to national development, Ilorin played hosts to eminent personalities from the all walks of life. At least eight aircrafts touched down at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, with many high-profile personalities from within and outside the country on board.

Nigeria’s vice president, Senator Kashim Shettima, the lead guest, upon his arrival in Ilorin at exactly 1:05 p.m. was received by Governor AbdulRazaq, alongside Governors of Imo, Kaduna, Kebbi, Ogun, and Gombe states, Attorney General of Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, minister of State for Industry, and representative of the Vice President of Ivory Coast.

Governors of Ekiti, Niger and Plateau states, former Governor of Niger State, Senator Sani Bello, chairman of BUA Group, Alh AbdulSamad Rabiu and the chairman, Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, Deputy Governors of Oyo, Jigawa, Sokoto, Borno, Zamfara, Anambra, Ondo, Kano, Nassarawa and Katsina states, as well as Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Afolabi Olaoye also joined the guests at the Emir’s palace, the venue of the coronation.

It was graced by the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, traditional chiefs from within and outside Ilorin, and the Council of Ulamas.

Wife of the governor of Kwara State, Amb. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, state deputy governor, Mr Kayode Alabi, speaker, Kwara House of Assembly and APC gubernatorial candidate,Engr. Yakubu Danladi- Saliu, Mutawali of Ilorin and elder brother to governor, Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq, and some wives of state governors were also present to witness the colourful turbaning.

In his goodwill message, President Bola Tinubu described the turbaning of AbdulRazaq as the Sardauna of Ilorin as historic.

Tinubu commended the Emir of Ilorin, Alh Ibrahim Sulu- Gambari for bestowing the prestigious title on Governor AbdulRazaq, who is also President of the Forum of Regions of Africa.

The president in a statement signed by his special adviser on Information and Strategy described the honour as a fitting recognition of the Governor’s leadership, public service and contributions to the development of Kwara State, particularly his efforts to promote inclusive growth, social cohesion and the well-being of the people.

He also commended the Emir for preserving the important role of traditional institutions in fostering harmony and supporting democratic governance and sustainable development.

“Governor AbdulRazaq, I urge you to embrace the culturally significant and historic title not only as a mark of honour, but also as a call to greater service and responsibility.

“I am confident that you will bring your experience, leadership, statesmanship and goodwill to bear in advancing the interests of the people of Kwara State and contributing to the progress and unity of Nigeria.

“I wish you continued success, wisdom, strength and good health as you assume the responsibilities of the Sardauna of Ilorin. May this honour further inspire you to serve your people and our nation,” the President said.

Vice President Kashim Shettima was full of praises for the governor at the turbaning ceremony.

“As Governor AbdulRazaq receives his turban, we remember those who preceded him and offer prayers for the generations who will encounter this occasion through the stories their elders preserve. My presence here today carries the affection of a friend,” he said.

“Governor AbdulRazaq and I have shared conversations and responsibilities beyond ceremonial occasions.

“There is something sobering about celebrating a friend while both of you remain answerable to the demands of public office. Titles will eventually pass into the record of our lives. The human bonds formed along the way shall endure beyond the appointments through which other people came to know us,” Shettima added.

He congratulated the governor on the conferment of the chieftaincy title, and wished him a continuous God’s guidance on the new task.

He also prayed to Allah to grant the Emir of Ilorin good health, long life and prosperity.

“I extend the congratulations of President Bola Amatinibu and the government and people of Nigeria to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, his family and Ilorin Emirate. May Allah grant you health, humility and strength for the responsibilities before you,” he said.

“May Allaah preserve our communities in peace, bless the children who will inherit them and grant our departed elders mercy. May this day bring joy to your household and renew in all of us the resolve to serve with conscience. May Allah grant our Emir good health, long life and prosperity,” he said.

For his part, the Niger State governor, Mohammed Bago, disclosed how Governor AbdulRazaq, nominated him as the North Central coordinator for the re-election campaign of President Tinubu.

Bago said the recognition underscored AbdulRazaq’s standing as a respected voice and leader in the North Central, entrusted with coordinating efforts across the region in support of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Leadership is not always about making the loudest statements; sometimes, it is about the confidence others place in you to deliver. AbdulRazaq continues to demonstrate that kind of leadership,” Bago said.

In her goodwill message, the founder of Ajike People Support Centre and chairperson, Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum, Amb.( Prof) Olufolake Abdulrazaq paid glowing tribute to her husband, Governor AbdulRazaq over the Sardauna title.

She said that long before AbdulRazaq became Kwara State governor:” I have known my husband as a very successful petroleum economist and simply as a man of quiet conviction.Those who have only met him at podiums, in council chambers, or on the campaign trail may know his policies, his projects, his public record. ”

She added: ” I have had the privilege of also knowing the man behind them: someone who takes counsel seriously, who does not mistake confidence for certainty, and who has never, in all our years together, allowed success in business or the weight of office to change the substance of his character.

” A man of few words whom I met forty years ago and who has in that time walked so many paths to bring about industry and development, he has always embodied innovation as he was always giving ideas and has always been involved in the development of our dear country even as a private citizen.

” Quietly he walks the talk and he is a master strategist for change and enduring legacy. With this quiet strength and understanding he leads our family and allows us all to grow in leaps and bounds. People know how he has empowered women in office but I am one of the earliest women he empoweredas well as other members of the family. I have been able to grow in my career, humanitarian and creative endeavours with his very constant support and guidance.

” I want to thank Your Excellency for the many years of support for my career and advancement and also for the support for my office and the Ajike People , Support Centre, in service of uplifting humanity. As chairman of Governors Forum and president of the Forum of African Regions ( FORAF) Your Excellency has given the Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum so much support and have led your brother governors to give support to the initiatives and programmes of the Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum. This we thank Your for, immensely.”

The chairman, Central Planning Committee of the Sardauna turbaning, Alh Saadu Salahu said:” I can say without fear of contradiction that the Emirate has made the best choice in a century.

Salahu who noted that when AbdulRazaq took over power on May 29, 2019, Kwara was a civil service state with misfortune of not only having to wait every month with cap in hand for Federal Allocation to pay salaries , yet unable to pay salaries even after bailouts by Federal Governmemt but expressed delight that:” Today, seven years after, Kwara is in the league of the best three states in Nigeria that do not need to wait for FAAC to pay salaries.”

” He met an Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)of about #30 billions which today has grown up to over #90 billions .

” The result: Kwara now pays salaries on or before the 25th of every month, pays pensions, and still has enough to fund capital projects. This is fiscal discipline that only a Sardauna can guarantee.

No Governor in Nigerian history has given youths and women so much power. At a time when the national average of youth inclusion in cabinet was less than 5%, Governor AbdulRazaq made Kwara the most youth-friendly state: He appointed 27-year-old Joana Nnazua Kolo as commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, the youngest commissioner in Nigeria.

Similarly , Hon.Rukayat Shittu became the youngest female lawmaker in Nigeria .

Over 70% of his appointees are under 40’s.

” On gender, he shattered the glass ceiling. He started with 56% female cabinet in 2019, the first in Nigeria, and today maintains over 50% female cabinet members, female Head of Service, female Chief Judge, female DGs of Agencies. He signed the 35% gender inclusion law.

“This is not tokenism. It is a belief that a State of Harmony must carry everyone along. That is the spirit of Sardauna – inclusive leadership, ” he added.

Salahu who noted that the primary duty of a Sardauna is security, expressed delight that: ” Today, Kwara is ranked among the five most peaceful and secured states in Nigeria. People sleep with both eyes closed. Investors come because they feel safe. Our appellation as State of Harmony is no longer just on paper; it is reality. He defended Ilorin Emirate. He defended Kwara. That is why he is Sardauna.

He emphasised that Governor’s AbdulRazaq’s evident and infectious loyalty to , and support for President Tinubu earned him priceless status of a trusted confidant of the President ;leading to sustained Presidential intervention and full support of Security Agencies and safe return of kidnapped victims in parts of the state as a further justification of the meaning and essence of the Sardauna title and that the governor effectively fits into the position.”

Salahu disclosed further:” I have known Governor AbdulRahman for decades . He is not a man who shouts. He is a quiet achiever. He is humble to a fault. He forgives easily. He is deeply religious, God-fearing, and family-oriented. He is a son who at over 60 still seeks the blessings of his 90-year-old mother, Hajia Raliat, the matriarch.

” He has no enemy. He builds bridges across North and South, Muslim and Christian, young and old. As Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, he has united Governors beyond party lines and earned the respect of the President, Vice President, and his colleagues.

” That is why when the Emirate looked for a Sardauna, they did not need to look far. They saw a man who had already been defending and developing the Emirate without a title.”

The chairman of the Mobilisation Committee, Alh AbdulLateef Alakawa described the event as one of its kind in the annal of the history of the great Ilorin Emirate.

For her part, the chairperson of the Centralised Reception Committee, Hon. Fatimo Arinola Lawal, expressed utmost satisfaction and profound appreciation for the remarkable success of the turbaning ceremony .

She added: ” The overwhelming support and impressive turnout at the occasion were a true reflection of the deep respect, love, admiration, and unwavering loyalty that the people have for His Excellency Mallam Abdurahman Abdulrazaq.

” The ceremony was not merely a celebration of tradition and honour, but also a powerful demonstration of the strong bond and enduring goodwill between His Excellency and the people.

” It was indeed a memorable occasion that showcased the unity, solidarity, and collective goodwill of the people, making the ceremony a resounding success.”

The national president of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Alh Abdulmumini Abdulmalik described the AbdulRazaq as an outstanding patriot who deserves the honour.

Abdulmalik, in a statement issued by the union’s national publicity secretary, Suleiman Dagbo, said that the governor has undoubtedly paid his due as a political, business and community leader.

He said that the contributions of the governor to the development of the Ilorin Emirate are quite numerous, saying that the completion of the ongoing Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari Pavilion at the Emir’s Palace, Ilorin, would win him additional positive ratings in the history of the community.

He added that several other projects embarked upon and completed by the governor’s administration would also continue to stand him out among all those who have had the privilege of leading the state.

Abdulmalik also said that the governor remains the only Chief Executive of the State who has taken participation in the annual national conference of the Union as a duty.

Extolling the virtues of AbdulRazaq, the speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly and APC gubernatorial candidate, Engr. Yakubu Danladi- Salihu said: ” The popular saying, “Let whom the cap fits, wear it,” aptly captures this occasion. The revered title of Sardauna of Ilorin—symbolising leadership, protection and service—could not have found a more deserving recipient than His Excellency, whose nearly eight years of service have demonstrated a firm commitment to the protection, development and wellbeing of Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State as a whole.

” We are particularly delighted that this prestigious and strategic traditional title is being conferred on our leader and mentor in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the development of Ilorin Emirate, Kwara State and humanity.

” As lawmakers, we are proud of His Excellency’s robust partnership with our traditional institutions and his commitment to peace, security and development across the State. His administration’s focus on improving the lives of our people across the 193 wards of Kwara remains a testament to his dedication to service.

” It is therefore fitting that our highly revered Royal Father, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness, Maimartaba Sarki Ilory, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, found His Excellency worthy of this distinguished honour. We pray Almighty Allah to continue to bless and preserve His Royal Highness for his wisdom, leadership and service to the Emirate.”

A renowned industrialist, Dr Kamoru Yusuf described the Sardauna title as a fitting recognition of AbdulRazaq’s selfless service and humility.

Yusuf, who is the Group Managing Director of Kam Holding Limited, said he has witnessed firsthand how AbdulRazaq administration’s dedication to peace, infrastructure, and enterprise created an environment where business and community life co-exist.

He commended the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, for finding the Governor worthy of the covetous title.

Yusuf recalled that the traditional title is reserved for true defenders and leaders of the people, noting that Governor AbdulRazaq has exemplified what it requires to be conferred with the title.

The founder of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Alhaji AbdulRaheem Oladimeji, hailed AbdulRazaq on the conferment of the title of Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate on him.

Oladimeji said the governor’s dedication to peace, human capital development, education and the overall wellbeing of the people he led exemplifies the values embodied in the title of Sardauna.

He thanked the Emir of Ilorin, Alh Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, for bestowing the prestigious traditional title on the governor.

The vice chancellor of the Kwara State University, Malete, Prof. Shaykh- Luqman Jimoh described AbdulRazaq as a man of vision and determination.

“Kwara State University, Malete rejoices with you, we celebrate you, we align with you and your administration because you have proven that you care about the people and institutions of the State.

We pray that this turbanning herald even more success to you, sir”, he said.

The vice chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN),

in a statement issued on his behalf by the University’s director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun, described the title as a befitting honour for the governor, who, he said, has been a passionate defender of the Ilorin values and heritage over the years.

Egbewole said that AbdulRazaq has before and since his election as the Governor of Kwara State in 2019 proved himself to be a great and unassuming patriot.

He thanked the governor for ensuring the positive physical transformation of Ilorin and Kwara State, saying that the construction of the flyover bridge at Tanke and the rehabilitation of the road connecting the University with the town are two of the several projects that the University would continue to cherish.

He also appreciated the Governor for his huge investment in education over the years as he thanked him for establishing the Kwara State University of Education (KWASUED), Ilorin, and for facilitating the favourable environment, which encourages the establishment of more private universities across the State.

In her congratulatory message , the Vice Chancellor of the Kwara State University of Education , Ilorin , Professor Medinat Folorunsho Salman said the conferement of Sardauna on Governor AbdulRazaq is a testimony to the Governor’s status as a true son of Ilorin Emirate and recognition of his immense contributions to the development and progress of the Emirate and Kwara State at large .

The rector of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Dr. Abdul Jimoh Mohammed congratulated AbdulRazaq on the well deserved honour.

” Your Excellency,this honour is a clear testimony to your exemplary leadership, service to humanity and deep commitment to the peace and progress of our dear state.

” The title of Sardauna, which connotes strength, wisdom, and guardianship, is most befitting of your personality and antecedents. Your administration has continued to demonstrate vision, integrity, and dedication to the welfare of the people and this royal recognition by the highly revered Ilorin Emirate further underscores the high regards in which you are held by our traditional institution.

“We pray that Almighty Allah grants you more wisdom, good health and strength to continue to serve with distinction.

As a Polytechnic Community, we are proud of this honour and we assure you of our continued support and prayers,” the rector said.

The Oke-Ode Community Development Association (OCDA) also congratulated t AbdulRazaq, on his turbanning as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate.

The national president of the Association, Alh AbdulGaniyu Ajala-Bello, described the turbanning as a well-deserved honour for a worthy son of the Emirate, who has distinguished himself as a great patriot and passionate enthusiast of community and human capital development.

In the statement signed by the national public relations officer of the community, Chief Ganiyu Kunle Akogun, the OCDA president particularly commended the governor’s visionary leadership, which has substantially turned around the fortunes of Kwara State since he assumed office a little over seven years ago.

Ajala-Bello also commended Governor AbdulRazaq’s rural development efforts, which he described as “unprecedented in the annals of of the state”.