The Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has commended the organisers of the 2026 Ilorin Emirate Durbar, describing the event as a massive success that attracted widespread attention from within and outside Nigeria.

The monarch, who also serves as the Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, gave the commendation while receiving the post-event report of the 2026 Durbar from the Chairman of the Ilorin Emirate Durbar Committee and Danmasani of Ilorin, Suleiman Alapansanpa, at his palace in Ilorin.

Sulu-Gambari stated that he was highly impressed by the remarkable improvements recorded during this year's edition, particularly the participation of cultural groups from different parts of Nigeria and abroad, as well as the active involvement of multinational organisations.

According to the Emir, the growing profile of the festival demonstrates its immense potential to serve as a platform for promoting Nigeria's cultural heritage and strengthening ties between communities across national boundaries.

He also expressed satisfaction that despite the massive turnout witnessed during the celebration, there was no record of any casualty before, during, or after the event.

The Emir described this as a clear testament to the effective planning and seamless coordination by the organisers and security agencies.

The monarch further commended the administration of the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for its unwavering support for the festival.

He equally thanked traditional rulers, religious leaders, community groups, and residents of the Ilorin Emirate for their invaluable contributions to the success of the event.

Earlier, Alapansanpa stated that the 2026 edition had been widely adjudged the best in the history of the festival, noting that its audience extended far beyond Nigeria through online broadcasts watched by thousands of Ilorin indigenes in the diaspora and their associates across the globe.

He stated that the Ilorin Durbar remains distinct from similar festivals because of its unique identity, which includes the colourful display of hundreds of horses, exhibitions of the Emirate's rich cultural traditions, and the spirit of unity and mutual respect among participants.

The committee chairman noted that the increasing international visibility of the festival has positioned it as a vital cultural and tourism asset capable of enhancing Nigeria's image on the global stage.

He thanked the Emir, government institutions, security agencies, corporate organisations, and members of the public for their support, assuring that preparations for the next edition would commence early to ensure an even more successful outing.

The event featured the presentation of cash prizes and plaques to outstanding participants in traditional dressing, horse riding, and the recitation of the Holy Quran.