Date: 2016-08-30

It is no longer news that there is global economic recession. This has found its way not only to the African continent and Nigeria nation but into Kwara State and Ilorin community in particular thereby causing untold hardship on the vast majority of citizens.

With the said recession, monthly salaries are no longer paid as and when due, group contributions are no longer regular and viable while cooperative societies are really suffering from defaults by loan collectors.

In addition and most importantly is the gradual erosion of the cultural and moral values in our land. Saddening enough, traditional institutions are now being mistaken for political institutions. With these and many more matters arising, I stand tall writing this piece not only as the National President of Shehu Alimi Foundation for Peace and Development nor as the Media Assistant to the Emir of Ilorin that I am but as a human being whose veins are full of running blood.

However, the case of deliberate erosion of moral values through gullible acts against our traditional institution as we have been witnessing in the recent times during either Jumat or Yidi Prayers by some hoodlums can be regarded as sitting on the keg of gun powder and also an attempt to dare the unforeseen consequential repercussion.

Although, it is saddening that government at all levels especially both state and local governments across the country with no apology to our dear state, Kwara, have not live up to their task of providing absolute welfare to the people under them despite the huge campaign pledges, but let it be on record that traditional institutions (not only in Kwara State) are not in the custody of the state finances or treasury.

Therefore, they are not and can never be responsible for the woes of any state government or any of its agencies. To set the record straight, traditional rulers are nothing but fathers of all as well as advisory body as it is certain that "Soldier go, soldier come, barrack will always remain". If Christians can go about their worship in churches across the state peacefully despite having representatives in government why must Muslims behave otherwise?

Need to kick against stone throwing during Yidi Prayers syndrome

As we are all aware that Eid-el-Kabir Sallah celebrations is around the corner, it therefore becomes pertinent for all parents, association leaders, community heads, village heads as well opinion and public analysts to wake up to the challenge of the lingering moral decadence among our youths especially in the Ilorin Emirate.

This is because, only education and understanding of its rudiments remains the recipe that can deliver us from the unwholesome attitude which is fast gaining ground even more the formal education which we all paid and struggled to acquire.

As an Appeal Court Judge who had just three months to be admitted into the Supreme Court before he relinquished his position to ascend the throne of his fore-bearers, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has been prepared for the task by God himself.

This is not in anyway fallacies nor was it because the Emir is the son of Hajia Ayisatu (Imma) who is the granddaughter of the 7th Emir of Ilorin, Shehu Shuaibu Bawa (1915-1919), daughter of the 8th Emir of Ilorin, Shehu Abdulkadir Dan Shuaibu Bawa (1919-1959), Wife of the ?9th Emir of Ilorin, Shehu Zulkarnaini Muhammadu Gambari (1959-1992), Sister of the 10th Emir of Ilorin, Shehu Aliyu Abdulkadir (1992-1995) but because he sincerely has the love of Ilorin Emirate at heart.

No well thinking monarch will therefore turn against a sitting state government because of non-payment of salaries, rather such traditional ruler will continue to persuade and encourage the Chief Security of the State (i.e State Governor) on the need to prioritize the welfare of the entire citizenry. Embarking on this fruitless journey will only result into nothing but negativity on the entire community as no one will ever know peace therein.

Visit by the Balogun Gambari Community

As an attestation to these among other issues, due to the rear opportunity and privilege I have as I was sitting quietly gazing at His Royal Highness the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari at the popular "Ile Oba Sokoto" (Sultan of Sokoto's quarters) at the Emir's Palace on Monday a crowd of well wishers both male and females, young and old stormed the arena with drums and Al-gaita chanting 'sheeeeeeeeuuuuuuuuu' !!!!!!.

Looking at them vividly, they were people of Balogun Gambari Community. They came on a thank you visit to the Emir to appreciate him over the elevation of the Balogun Gambari, Alhaji Adebayo Murogo to the new Balogun Agba following the demise of the late Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, Alhaji Mahmud Durosinlohun Atiku.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the Sarki'n Driver of Ilorin, Alhaji Saliu Olarongbe, expressed the delight of the entire community over the gesture and promise the Emir that the new Balogun Agba will continue to be loyal and steadfast in the Emirate's activities.

In his response, Alhaji Sulu-Gambari urged the new Balogun Agba to be patient, tolerant and accommodating in the discharge of his duties. The Emir however cleared the air that the Senior Chancellor should not allow intruders to find way into his domain stressing that it was an act of impersonation by some groups that have led to the maligning of the character of the Fulani tribe across the nation.

He further urged Nigerians to ensure that the desired peace and tranquility continue to reign in the nation through harmonious working relationship and honesty adding that this became necessary due to the infiltration of attitudes that are alien to the practice and tradition of the people of Kwara State especially indigenes of Ilorin by some unknown persons.

"It is outrightly not true that Fulani herdsmen are responsible for the destruction of lives and property in some part of the country stressing that Fulanis are peaceful, lovable and honest in their dealings with other tribes. They are not criminals at all and they can never be. Rather they are been mistaken for "Bororo". And in the actual sense Bororos doesn't have traces and they don't have a particular origin" , he added.

Alhaji Sulu-Gambari however urged individuals to always assess issues in their normal forms and desist from embarking on controversial matters that are capable of causing disharmony in the country, "In fact, Fulani herdsmen are not criminals and should not be impersonated by other tribes or groups", he warned.

Visit by the new Magaji Yaba

This was also another thank you visit by the newly turbaned Magaji Yaba who was led to the Emir by the Magaji Bi-Jauro. The Emir prayed for him and urged him to the just in dealing with his people.

Solidarity Visit by the Ilorin Emirate Youths

It was the turn of the turn of the assemblage of youths across the Emirate under the aegis of Ilorin Descendant Progressive Association led by its National President and Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Abdullahi Babatunde Salaudeen and Mallam Uthman Jagunmo respectively as part of preparation towards the forthcoming Eid-el- Kabir Sallah celebration.

The group which was led to the Emir his Personal Aide, Mallam Murtala Abdulraheem, expressed dissatisfaction over the unfortunate incidence of stone throwing and sachet water petting on some personalities by hoodlums at the Ilorin Central Yidi praying ground in the past stressing that such attitude was alien to Ilorin tradition.

They however vowed to resist any form of temptations that could lead to unrest before, during and after Sallah celebrations and also assured the monarch of its readiness to curb the recurrence of such dastard act adding that sensitization and advocacy moves have began across the state especially in the Ilorin Emirate.

In his reaction, Alhaji Sulu-Gambari thanked the group for their foresight and genuine interest in the peaceful co-existence of the people of the Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State at large and promise to support them in the realization of their activities for growth of the community and state at large.

He however informed the group of the various moves he has made towards ensuring that the salaries of workers are paid stressing that the inadequacies is also affecting the smooth running of the Emirate Council. All these facts can be confirmed from any quarters for further clarifications.

Alhaji Sulu-Gambari also expressed concern over the deliberate attempt to assassinate his character by drawing him to the mud of politics by associating him to an abandoned road contract.

He said: "I've never taken contract from the federal government either for myself or for any other company. I am not a 'Contractor-Emir'. I am contented with what God has done for me. Records are there for everyone to confirm the truth of the matter. With these and many more it is high time we have a genuine rethink as indigenes of Ilorin Emirate and also have a rebirth as Muslim and stop disrupting activities at worship centres by throwing stones or pure water sachets. Please note that the Yidi Praying ground is neither for the Governor nor for any of his aides. Mosques are owned by Allah and only worship is allowed therein.

Let us therefore begin this advocacy and sensitization at all levels ahead of the forthcoming Sallah celebration for the peace, growth and development of our community.

Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona is the National Secretary of Shehu Alimi Foundation for Peace and Development.