The royal suite that can accomodate 11 traditional rulers in the palace The Emir of Ilorin's palace, which houses a lot of historical items, can serve as a tourist centre to visitors who wish to know more about the origin and culture of the ancient city.

Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, is known for many untapped tourist centres, among them the Emir's palace, which has so many structures of interest to lovers of tourism.

Many people do not know the story behind the four pillars in front of the palace and so, see it as part of the palace's decoration. However, information made available to our correspondent during a tour of the palace revealed that the pillars form part of the history of Ilorin.

The emir's clerk and palace tour guide, Alhaji Muhammed Salman, said the four pillars, synonymous with the people of Ilorin, stood as a sign of conquest by the town.

"The pillars stand as symbol of end of won wars. One of the emirs who reigned in Ilorin long ago fought and won four wars against the traditional worshippers. So at the end of each war, he would put up a pillar to indicate that he conquered those he fought.

"The pillars now serve as end of Tambari. There is a drum in the palace with a long rope that is usually hung on one of the pillars while other smaller drums called bembe are also hung on the three other pillars. The drummers are usually in front while beating the drums as the trumpeter supports them from behind with the trumpet popularly known as Khakaakin.

"The drums and trumpet are usually sounded every Thursday night and Friday morning. They are also played at the sight of the fasting crescent to announce the beginning and end of fasting respectively. These instruments announce the celebration of big Sallah as well as the arrival of a ruling emir's new baby boy and other such occasions".

Apart from the pillars, the palace also has a mosque, which is one of the oldest in the town. All the emirs who have reigned,including the present one, were turbaned there. The chiefs of the town must also visit the Mosque before they are turbaned.

The palace mosque, according to history, is older than Nigeria itself. According to Salman, "The mosque was built in 1351 Islamic year and is older than the palace. It is significant in enthroning emirs because the appointed person would be brought to the mosque before the morning prayer and turbaned. The person also leads the congregational prayer before moving into the palace for other ceremonies, while the chiefs are brought to the same mosques on Friday morning and later turbaned at the palace."

The first palace is where the present emir still sits to receive visitors. It is as old as Sheik Alimi, who is the first Emir of Ilorin, with a modern palace built next to it by the present emir 15 years ago. Ilorin, known for having the highest number of Islamic clerics in Nigeria, attaches importance to prayer sites and highly regards such sites in the town. One of such sites is a place where Sheik Alimi, the premier Emir of Ilorin, performed ablution, prayed and received visitors.

"This spot had a building before it was demolished. It was where Sheik Alimi received visitors, performed ablution and prayed. The building was demolished and replaced with a monument for historical purposes. People are not allowed to sit or stand on it for preservation purposes and as a sign of respect," the tour guide explained.

Another historical point in the palace is an elevated platform just outside the palace, of which Salman said, "The veranda upstairs at the entrance of the palace is where the colonial masters used to stand and watch cultural displays, horse riding and the likes in the olden days. But now, the governor of the state uses it as a waiting point for the arrival of the emir from the praying ground during Sallah. On arrival, the emir greets the governor and welcomes him into the palace, indicating a cordial relationship between the people of Ilorin and the governor of the state. That culture has existed since the colonial era."

Another interesting information in the palace is the existence of an important chief called Serikin Salama (meaning chief who welcomes and announces the arrival of visitors to the emir). He determines whether a visitor can see the emir or not. "In fact, he is so powerful that even if visitors are looking at the emir he can tell them that the emir is not around, "Salman said,adding that there are those called Seeji of the emir; who are like warriors and are ready to face anybody perceived to be a threat.

Another site in the palace is the Sheik Alimi's Quranic centre, which is now used for preaching during fasting. Prayers rendered before, during and after fasting during the Islamic month are done there, while the Quran is recited there throughout the three months. Prayers for important dignitaries are also organised at the place. The Ilorin Palace is also known to house smaller palaces meant for other emirs from the northern part of the country because of the cordial relationship between them.

Salman said, "The palace, as you can see, also houses two other palaces and royal suites that can accommodate 11 emirs with their entourage at the same time. We have the Emir of Gwandu's house for any of the emirs visiting the palace. There is also a house named after the Emir of Sokoto. The Sultan of Sokoto usually stays in that particular building named after the Emir of Sokoto whenever he is in Ilorin.

"We also have a kitchen for the royal fathers who travel to Ilorin with their cooks so they can prepare their traditional delicacies." The Emir of Ilorin is one of those who exercise by playing lawn tennis. He demonstrated this with the construction of a lawn tennis court in the palace.

palace also has a mini zoo that houses few animals, as well as a stable with 24 horses. "If you need to understand the cultural value of Ilorin, the place to visit is the emir's palace because it represents the value and cultural heritage of the people," Salman said.