Date: 2018-07-23

THE Emir of Ilorin and chairman, Kwara state traditional council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has elevated the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, to the position of the traditional Prime Minister of the Ilorin emirate, Waziri Gerin of Ilorin.

The elevation was announced at the end of a special prayer organised by the Emir over the recent victory of Saraki at the Supreme Court on his case with the federal government over allegations of false asset declaration.

By the elevation, Saraki who is also Turakin Ilorin, becomes the fourth Waziri Gerin, succeeding his father, the late Dr Olusola Saraki, who held the title until his death in 2012.

Announcing the elevation, the Emir said it was in acknowledgement of the Senate President's passion for the development of not only the emirate but Kwara state as well as his political exploits that had brought fame to the state, particularly Ilorin Emirate.

"We are excited by your political exploits because of late you have become the beautiful bride whom politicians across the board are beckoning to be in their camps. This is a show of recognition of your worth and achievements as a politician. We are very proud of you.

"It is from here that we prayed for you to become governor, it was here that we prayed for you to become a senator and it was from here that we prayed for you to become Senate President, and all these came to reality. Today we are also praying from here that God will elevate you beyond your present position", he said.

The emir noted that he was seated on a very special seat inherited from his forefathers and has their authority to conduct the programme.

He also described the event as typical of Ilorin emirate, saying that the people believe in the efficacy of coming together to the inner chamber of the palace to offer such special prayers.

The emir immediately decorated Saraki with the regalia of his new title and ordered him to wear it throughout the day.

In his remarks, the Imam Imale of Ilorin, Sheikh Abdullahi AbdulHameed had noted that Saraki survived his recent ordeal by the power of prayers offered from the emirate. He also led participants to offer prayers for divine guidance for Saraki as he makes vital decisions over his political future.

"We pray that his decision which is being awaited and which has made him the beautiful bride today would be successful", he said.

Also speaking, Saraki who was appreciative, said that the development took him by surprise.

He noted that he had only come to the palace for the special prayers not knowing that something else was waiting for him.

He promised to use the title to continue in his commitment to looking after the well-being of people in the emirate as well as the entire Kwara state.

The prayer session was attended by First Class traditional rulers from the state as well as Senators Dino Melaye and Rafiu Ibrahim; Speaker of Kwara state House of Assembly, Dr Ali Ahmad, and other notable politicians from the state.