KWASU urged to probe academic over alleged insult to Emir of Ilorin
*Emir’s spokesman accuses scholar of politicising academia
*Warns against attacks on traditional institution
By KEMI KASUMU
“A university that prides itself as a University for Community Development should develop the community through ideas, research, and character,” Arowona said, arguing that academic credentials should not be used to justify inflammatory public statements.”
The management of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, has been urged to investigate a video allegedly showing an academic insulting the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, and take appropriate disciplinary action.
The call was made by the Emir’s spokesman, Dr AbdulAzeez Arowona, in an opinion article titled “Daudu Saadu, The Emirate and the Political Jobber in Academic Gown — KWASU Must Act Now.”
Arowona expressed displeasure over the video, describing the alleged remarks as an affront to the Ilorin Emirate and the traditional institution in Kwara State.
He said the Emir, who chairs the Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, occupies a central position in the emirate’s traditional hierarchy, adding that attacks on respected traditional titleholders could undermine the institution’s dignity.
The spokesman particularly condemned the alleged remarks against Daudu Bode Saadu, whom he described as a respected figure in the Ilorin Emirate system.
According to him, the incident raises concerns about the use of academic platforms for political agitation rather than research, community development and the promotion of responsible public discourse.
“A university that prides itself as a University for Community Development should develop the community through ideas, research, and character,” Arowona said, arguing that academic credentials should not be used to justify inflammatory public statements.
He further alleged that the scholar was seeking political relevance by attacking the Emirate, although the article did not provide independent evidence to establish the motive behind the alleged remarks.
Arowona maintained that political disagreements should not be allowed to distort the history and cultural heritage of the Ilorin Emirate, stressing that political activities would come and go while traditional institutions would endure.
He also called on the KWASU authorities to urgently examine the matter and take whatever disciplinary measures may be warranted by the findings of their investigation.
The spokesman said the people of Ilorin remained peaceful and tolerant but would not accept what he described as attempts to ridicule their Emir and traditional institution.
“The Ilorin Emirate is bigger than any political ambition,” he declared.
