As reported by This Day, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has conferred the title of Sardauna of Ilorin on the state governor and Chairman of Nigeria's Governors Forum (NGF), Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The Emir stated that the conferment of the title on Governor AbdulRazaq was in recognition of his deep love for, and significant investment in, the culture and traditions of Nigeria's southernmost Emirate.

This honour makes Governor AbdulRazaq the second person to hold the title of Sardauna of Ilorin, following the death of Alhaji Umaru Saro.

Speaking at the brief ceremony held in Ilorin on Thursday, the Emir praised AbdulRazaq for his exemplary leadership qualities and his unwavering commitment to promoting the interests of the Ilorin community, including his unmatched support for the Durbar festival.

The Emir also commended the governor for his outstanding leadership both at the state level and on the national stage as Chairman of the NGF.

He said: “I am convinced that Governor AbdulRazaq is not only popular, but he also believes in and promotes our tradition and custom.

“He (governor) made sure he participated actively in the annual Ilorin Grand Durbar. So he deserves the honour of a chieftaincy title to do more.

“For this reason and by my prerogative power, I confer on you the Sardauna of Ilorin from today.”

According to the monarch, “In our long-standing practices, one of the prominent qualities we always consider before conferring chieftaincy titles is popularity.

“We usually consider whether or not such a person is famous within his immediate community and beyond.

“From all indications, Governor AbdulRazaq is popular both at home and abroad, and widely celebrated, to the extent of being chosen as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum.”

The emir described AbdulRazaq as a lover and promoter of peace, an attribute he noted is responsible for the governor's continued progress.

“Let us be thankful to God that we are gifted this kind of governor. Despite all forms of security challenges across the country, Kwara has been relatively peaceful.

“We must give credit to the God Almighty who accepts our prayers, and to the governor for encouraging peace. “That is why he has been progressive and he will continue to progress,” he added.

Responding, AbdulRazaq thanked the emir for the traditional title, which he said is an encouragement to do more for the community and the people.

He said: “On the conferment of the Sardauna of Ilorin title, it is said that it is not an ordinary title, going by the antecedents of those who have occupied the position across Nigeria.

“We are truly grateful and this encourages us to do more for our communities. Thank you very much indeed, Your Royal Highness.”

The governor commended the emir and other traditional rulers for maintaining peace and stability in their domains, saying the Northern Nigeria Governors' Forum believes that constitutional roles be given to the traditional rulers in the country.

“Today's visit was to thank the traditional council personalised by his Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, and to also thank him for the peace we enjoy during the protest across Nigeria,” the governor said