The Sarkin Gobir and Madawaki of Ilorin Emirate, Yakubu Gobir, has appealed to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the senator representing Kwara Central, Saliu Mustapha, to put aside their political differences and preserve the bonds of brotherhood and shared heritage among the people of Ilorin.

Gobir made the appeal in a statement made available to Arewa PUNCH in Ilorin on Sunday, while also urging supporters and loyalists of the two political leaders to refrain from personal attacks, provocative statements and campaigns of calumny.

He warned that political disagreements should not be allowed to create divisions that could outlive the political contests that gave rise to them.

The traditional titleholder said his appeal was informed by his longstanding relationships with both AbdulRazaq, who holds the title of Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate, and Mustapha, the Turaki of Ilorin.

"I have known the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for almost 40 years, and I have known the Turaki of Ilorin, Senator Saliu Mustapha, for almost 10 years," Gobir said.

"I have enjoyed a good personal relationship with both of them, and I regard both as brothers and friends."

According to him, his personal knowledge of the two leaders had shown that they had more in common than what currently divided them.

"Whatever political differences may exist today should not be allowed to erase years of friendship, mutual respect and shared history," he said.

Gobir stressed that AbdulRazaq and Mustapha remained sons of Ilorin before their political affiliations, urging them not to allow political competition to weaken their relationship or create divisions within the emirate.

"Before politics, there is brotherhood. Before political parties, there is Ilorin. That bond must remain stronger than whatever political differences may exist between us," he said.

He also appealed to supporters of both camps to exercise restraint, stressing that political loyalty should not translate into hostility towards people holding opposing views.

"Loyalty does not mean hatred. You can defend your leader without insulting another man’s leader. You can disagree without destroying relationships," Gobir cautioned.

The traditional titleholder further warned that inflammatory rhetoric and personal attacks could create lasting wounds within the community long after political contests had ended.

"We must be careful with the words we use. A political statement made today may create a wound that takes years to heal," he said.

"We should not sacrifice the peace and unity of Ilorin for temporary political battles."

Gobir noted that the people of Ilorin were connected by blood, marriage, history, culture and shared ancestry, stressing that political disagreements should not be allowed to disrupt those relationships.

He added that the responsibilities of AbdulRazaq and Mustapha extended beyond politics, particularly because of their positions as prominent traditional titleholders within the Ilorin Emirate.

"Our traditional titles are not merely for decoration. They come with responsibility," Gobir said.

"We have inherited a respected institution and a rich heritage from our forefathers, and it is our duty to protect its dignity and pass it on to the next generation."

He noted that political offices, parties and alliances were temporary, while the cultural and traditional heritage of Ilorin would outlive successive governments and elections.

"Governments will change. Political alliances will change. Elections will come and go. But Ilorin will remain," he said.

Gobir therefore urged the two leaders to keep open channels of dialogue and mutual respect, noting that their conduct would influence the behaviour of their supporters.

"Let the two leaders show the way. Where there is disagreement, let there be dialogue. Where there is suspicion, let there be understanding," he said.

He urged political actors to focus their attention on issues affecting the welfare, development and security of the people rather than engaging in prolonged personal battles.

"The people are looking to their leaders for development, peace and good governance. They do not want to see their leaders and supporters fighting endlessly. They want us to build Ilorin together," Gobir said.

He called for restraint, reconciliation and mutual respect among political and traditional stakeholders, insisting that political contests should not define relationships that future generations would inherit.

"Let us disagree politically without becoming enemies. Let us compete without destroying one another," he said.

"And above all, let us preserve the peace, unity and dignity of Ilorin for our children and generations yet unborn."