According to a news report from Informant247, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, President of the 8th Senate and Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin, has reiterated his deep respect and affection for the Ilorin Emirate Community and his unwavering commitment to peace. Consequently, he has decided not to attend the Ilorin Durbar event today.

In a statement released by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, in Ilorin on Wednesday, Dr. Saraki stated that his decision was influenced by appeals from respected traditional title holders and senior Islamic scholars. They advised him to abstain from the event following indications that Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq's administration preferred his absence due to personal and political reasons.

“We understand that significant pressure was exerted on the Ilorin Emirate Council by the state government to prevent the Waziri of Ilorin from attending the event. Governor Abdulrazaq is concerned that the former Governor, Dr Saraki, might outshine him as usual,” He said.

He criticized the current administration, attributing its rejection by the people to its failure to eradicate poverty, provide quality leadership, and deliver good governance.

He urged Governor Abdulrazaq to address these issues rather than blaming him for the challenges faced by his administration.

As the highest-ranked traditional title holder of Ilorin, he emphasized that his decision to stay away from the traditional festival was made to preserve peace and order. The statement clarified that the Waziri Ngeri should not be scapegoated for the failures of the Abdulrazaq administration.

The Statement noted that the Waziri Ngeri was initially eager to join the peace-loving people of the Emirate in celebrating the traditional festival until the government’s intervention to prevent his attendance.

“Regrettably, I wish to announce that for peace and tranquility, I am staying away from the Durbar celebration this year,” He expressed.

He extended his best wishes to the organizers of this year’s Durbar, hoping for a successful event and urging them to fulfill the promises made during the planning stages.

“I wish our people a happy celebration and many more to come. I implore us to celebrate with moderation and to avoid any actions that could disrupt peace and order in the state,” he added.