Date: 2021-07-24

Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, told the Emir of Ilorin that the state government had to bow to the superior argument of security agencies before the cancellation of the Ilorin Emirate Durbar celebration on Tuesday.

Abdulrazaq while hosting the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari to a traditional sallah homage (Bareke) at the Government House Ilorin on Thursday explained that he announced the cancellation after making exhaustive deliberations with the Emir and the Durbar committee.

The government on Tuesday night in a statement by Hajia Mopelola Abdulrahman, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications announced the suspension of the annual Durbar earlier scheduled for Wednesday July 21, 2012 on security grounds.

The governor during the homage in a statement by his spokesman, Rafiu Ajakaye said, "The government could not have suspended the Durbar on a whim. Not only have our people prepared for the cultural event, the government on its own had invested hugely to make it a memorable one. This is part of our commitment to promote the tradition and culture of our people across the state."

"However, we bowed to the superior argument of security after exhaustive deliberations with Your Royal Highness and the committee. So, it was not a light decision taken on a flimsy ground.

"We thank everyone for their kind understanding. We apologise to various traders, entrepreneurs and tourists who had looked forward to the colourful event. We especially commend the Durbar committee for their great efforts and patriotism. "Like the government, I'm aware that Your Royal Highness has similarly spoken to our people on the annual Durbar that was supposed to hold yesterday." Abdulrazaq said that the annual bareke underscores healthy and harmonious relationship between the traditional institutions and the government.

"This tradition underscores the healthy and harmonious relationship between the traditional institutions and the government. We cherish that harmony and the good job that the council of chiefs has been doing to promote unity and peace in Kwara State," he said.

AbdulRazaq assured the people of the state that his administration would not relent in meeting their yearnings and aspirations, irrespective of their social status, adding that the recent video of a female pensioner was a testimonial of how the administration has changed the story of the average worker and citizen.

The Emir was said to have commended the people-focused programmes of the administration and its impacts on the populace.