The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari said that the ethno-religious and political diversity of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, has been a source of blessing to the town and that Nigerians should take a cue from the ancient town.

The monarch also urged would-be chroniclers of Ilorin history to carry out intensive research before publishing any book about the town.

Represented by the Magaji Nda of Ilorin, Alhaji Soliu W. Mohammed, the emir spoke this at the launch of a book titled: "Managing Ethno-political relations in Nigeria: The Ilorin example, 1823-2003."

Foremost historian and Dean, College of Humanity and Social Sciences, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Prof Akeem Danmole urged Nigerian intellectual to come up on the history of their towns and cities.

Prof Danmole who taught the author of the book, Dr Abdulwahab L. Olumo at the university, said he encouraged the writer not to abandon the writing of the book midway.

Chairman of the occasion and former Vice Chancellor University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Prof Shuaib Abdulraheem said that the book having been subjected to academic scrutiny had met international standard.

He said the author's dedication and perseverance made the book to see the light of the day, adding that "no one can tell the story of a town than the 'son of the soil.'"

A lecturer in the department of political science, UNILORIN, Prof Hassan Saliu said "either in past or present, Islam is a major factor working to unite all Ilorin people with the existing political order. Once Islam is removed from our understanding of certain phenomena in Ilorin, our knowledge of such issues would be incomplete.

"This had played out in the rejection of merger with our western brothers and sisters under the first republic. Nothing has changed in the position of Ilorin as the town has shown more tolerance and accommodation with northern political establishment than any other political tendency in the country.

"Indeed, the Ilorin people have never failed to make the point that they are Yoruba speaking people in the north, not Yoruba. It is however a troubling reality that we do not yet have much to show for this alliance."

In his own remark, Akeem Yusuf, a legal practitioner said the book had contributed to the body of knowledge, noting the author had contributed his quota to the development of the community.

Mr. Yusuf added that "the book is a challenge to all of us here to put on our thinking cap by coming up with our own books to advance the frontiers of knowledge"