Date: 2015-05-09

Emeritus Professor of Public Finance at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Halidu Ibrahim Abubakar, has emerged the new Emir of Ilesha- Baruba in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, National Pilot authoritatively reports.

He emerged in an election conducted by six kingmakers in December, last year.

The retired university teacher polled three votes out of six, reliable sources told our reporter last night.

Other contestants, Alhaji Mohammed Umar (Apolo) and Adamu Asaburu polled one vote each.

This medium had reported that over 10 aspirants eyed the stool from the four ruling houses (Derekureku, Sunomora, Dagbara and Sunaderu), following the demise of the late monarch, Alhaji Bio Uthman Abubakar.

Abubakar died in November, 2014, aged 71 after a protracted illness.

The late Emir, who was appointed in 2000, was a former state’s Commissioner for Works and Housing, General Manager of London office of the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) and held various positions before he ascended the throne.

Born on May 3, 1944, the late emir is survived by wives, children and grandchildren.

However, the new Emir is the Board Chairman of Harmony Holdings Limited and a member of the Governing Council, Kwara State University (KWASU), Molete.

Speaking to this paper yesterday in his office, the state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Abdullahi Sha’ab Umaru, confirmed that election to select the new monarch that would occupy the vacant stool had been conducted.

He, however, refused to confirm Abubakar as winner, saying the state government would make official announcement in due course. 

“Election and appointment of Oba or Emir by the State Government involves some process and due processes have to be followed. So, very soon, the announcement of the new Emir of Ilesha Baruba would be made,” Umaru said.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to give traditional rulers their “deserved places in government with a view to contributing economically and socially to the society.