Sultan felicitates AbdulRazaq on turbaning as Sardauna of Ilorin
By KEMI KASUMU
The Sultan expressed confidence that AbdulRazaq’s installation would “further complement the wise and purposeful leadership” of the Emir of Ilorin and contribute to the continued development, stability and prosperity of the Emirate and Kwara State.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, has congratulated the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, on his turbaning as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate.
The Sultan, in a personally signed congratulatory letter dated September 14, 2026, extended the felicitations on behalf of the Sultanate Council of Sokoto and the NSCIA to AbdulRazaq on his conferment of the traditional title by the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR.
The turbaning is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, according to a statement signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka on behalf of the Media Team of the Sultan of Sokoto announcing the already transmitted letter and released to the press.
Describing the traditional honour as “a mark of trust, confidence and recognition” of the governor’s service to Kwara State and Nigeria, the Sultan said AbdulRazaq’s experience in governance and leadership would be valuable in his new traditional responsibility.
The Sultan said: “Your Excellency, as a recipient of the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and President of the Forum of Regions of Africa, has acquired invaluable experience in governance, leadership, intergovernmental relations, religious understanding and peace-building.”
He added that, “We are confident that these experiences, together with the wisdom and exposure Allah has bestowed upon you, will be brought to bear positively in your new traditional responsibility as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate.”
The Sultan described traditional leadership as “a sacred trust” and a responsibility to promote the welfare, unity, peace and progress of the people.
He expressed confidence that AbdulRazaq’s installation would “further complement the wise and purposeful leadership” of the Emir of Ilorin and contribute to the continued development, stability and prosperity of the Emirate and Kwara State.
The Sultan also said the new traditional responsibility would contribute to “peace-building and national cohesion in Nigeria.”
He commended the Emir of Ilorin for finding AbdulRazaq worthy of the honour and prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the governor “increased wisdom, good health, humility and strength” to discharge the responsibilities of the title with distinction.
“May He make your tenure as Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate a source of greater blessings to the Emirate, Kwara State and Nigeria, and continue to guide you in your service to humanity,” the Sultan prayed.
He concluded by extending “warmest royal felicitations and best wishes” to the governor on the occasion.
