OPINION: Ilorin Durbar: Model for cultural integration in Nigeria By Yahaya Yahaya

Date: 2024-06-21

ILORIN, the capital of Kwara State, is a true demonstration of Nigeria's rich cultural diversity. Home to indigenous Yorubas, Hausas, Nupes, Fulanis, Barubas, and more, Ilorin stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of various ethnic groups. This cultural melting pot is magnificently showcased through the annual Ilorin Grand Durbar, a festival held on the 2nd or 3rd day of Eid Adha (Sallah) that captures the essence of Nigeria's diverse heritage. HRH Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council, envisioned creating a grand cultural event to demonstrate community harmony and leverage the city's diversity. In 2017, this vision came to life with the inauguration of the first grand Durbar. Now in its 7th edition, the event is meticulously organized by the Ilorin Emirate Grand Durbar Committee, led by Engr. Suleiman Yahaya FNSE, the Danmasani of Ilorin.

The Ilorin Durbar is a vibrant celebration featuring a spectacular horse parade, pulsating music performance festivals, and a variety of cultural displays. The event brings together the unique traditions of Ilorin's diverse communities, offering something for everyone. Whether it's the equestrian skills of horse riders, the colorful costumes, the thrill of adventure, or the enchanting music and talent displays, the Ilorin Durbar promises an unforgettable experience.

One of the most captivating moments of the Durbar is the Emir's procession around the Ilorin metropolis. The Emir, seated in a luxurious horse cart, is accompanied by hundreds of beautifully decorated horses and riders. The procession is further enhanced by the presence of traditional soldiers in military attire, trumpeters, and drummers, creating a majestic spectacle. The Ilorin Durbar is not just a festival but a community celebration. Family houses across Ilorin prepare months in advance, creating uniform colorful outfits unique to their cultural backgrounds. This melting point of community members pays homage to HRH the Emir of Ilorin, presenting gifts as a show of love and loyalty during the celebration of Eid Adha.

While Nigeria is a land of numerous festivals, each rich in history and colour, the Ilorin Durbar is truly unique. It exemplifies community participation and cultural integration, bringing together the diverse ethnic groups of Ilorin in a harmonious celebration. The Ilorin Durbar is more than just a festival; it is a grand cultural extravaganza that celebrates Nigeria's rich heritage and the unity of its people.

Yahaya is Magayaki of Uke, Nasarawa State.

 

Cloud Tag: What's trending

Click on a word/phrase to read more about it.

Aishatu Ahmed Gobir     Saka Aleshinloye     Iyabo Dupe Adekeye     Voices Of Tomorrow     Presidential Election     Saka Balikis Kehinde     Buhari     Amina Susa\'a De Ahmed     Tafida Of Kaiama     Garba Dogo     Otunba Taiwo Joseph     Rashidi Yekini     Adegoke Bamidele     Aasiyat Bello Oyedepo     Hikmah AbdulKareem     Suraj Tunji Oyewale     Oyelere Oyinloye     Onilupeju Of Ilupeju     Harmony Holdings     Alapado     Funmi Salau     Olukotun Of Ikotun     Economic And Financial Crimes Commission     Basic Education Certificate Examination     Eleyele     Tunde Akanbi     Fatai Garuba Labaka     Yusuf Ibitokun Sherifat     Oko Erin     Tafida Of Ilorin     Ridhwanullah Al-Ilory     Hijaab     NAWOJ     Olosi Of Osi     Joseph Yemi Ajayi     IYA ALFA NLA     Press Release     Mashood Abdulrafiu Agboola     Chief Of Staff     Oasis Muslim Care Foundation     Victor Gbenga Yusuf     Timothy Akangbe     Micheal Imoudu     Eleja Taiwo Banu     AbdulRazaq Abubakar Jiddah     Bisi Oyeleke     Isaac Gbenle     Dan Iya     Atiku     David Oyedepo     Jimoh Akani     Ayodele Olaosebikan     Hakeem Idris     SSA Youth     Baruten     Fola Consultant     John Obuh     Sa\'adu Gambari     Bank Of Industry     Yakubu Gobir     Kola Ologbondiyan     LEAH Charity Foundation     Abegunde Goke     David Oyerinola Adedunmoye     Curfew     Kwara 2015     Ilorin Descendants Progressive Union     Ashiru     Abdulrazaq Aiyelabegan     Muhammad Mustapha Suleiman     Toyin Olayinka Tejidini     Gambari     Oba David Oyerinola Adedunmoye     Yahaya Seriki     Bankole Omishore     Baba Isale     Awodun    

Cloud Tag: What's trending

Click on a word/phrase to read more about it.

Ekweremadu     SDP     Budo-Egba     Federal College Of Education (Special), Afon     Abdulrazaq Adebayo     Galadima     Manzuma     Okanlawon Taiwo     Egbejila     Seni Saraki     Ayedun     Laolu Saraki     Yakubu Dogara     Aliyu Salihu     Bamidele Adegoke     A.O. Belgore     Centre For Peace And Strategic Studies     Shehu Alimi Foundation     Mope Dasuki Belgore     Islamic Development Bank     Quareeb Islamic Association     Fatima Abolore Jimoh     School Of Nursing     Government High School Adeta     Nupe     CACOVID Palliatives     Saduki Lafiagi     Ubandawaki     Aliyu Sabi     Kwara State Health Insurance Agency     Pakata Development Association     Jumoke F. Ajao     Crystal Corner Shops     Okala Baba     Temitope Ogunbanke     Timothy Olatunde Fadipe     Sherif Shagaya     Khairat Gwadabe     Okedare     Funmilayo Isiaka Oniwa     Ilorin Talaka Parapo (ITP)     Durbar Festival     Ilorin Durbar     Ilesha-Baruba-Gwanara     Saka Onimago     Olupako     Special Agro-Industrial Hub     Razak Atunwa     Oloye     Kawu     Aisha Ahman Pategi     Oniwa     Irepodun     Jani Ibrahim     Iyabo Adewuyi     Sherif Sagaya     UNILORIN Alumni     Musa Abdullahi     Erubu Oba Zubair     Muhammad Akande Olarewaju Odunade     Adaramaja     Idi-Ape     Zainab Abass     Idris Amosa Saidu     Sidikat Alaya     Yakubu Shaaba     Yahaya Jibril Usman     Public Holiday     Binta Abubakar Mora     Amuda Aluko     Jeunkunu-Malete-Bani     Oko Erin     IESA     Amos Bajeh     Asiwaju Bola Tinubu     Iyaloja-General     NITDA