Recently the Emir of Ilorin Alhaji Ibrahim-Sulu-Gambari turbaned the head of the Gobir clan in Ilorin whose ancestry journey can be traced to the historic kingdom of Gobir in the present-day Sokoto state. In this piece, UMAR BAYO ABDULWAHAB captures the moment and the historical background of Gobir Kingdom.

Gambari, the heart of Ilorin Emirate in Ilorin-east local government area of Kwara state was agog just recently as the Emir officially turbaned a renowned pharmacist and philanthropist, Alhaji Yakubu Gobir as 10th Sarkin Gobir of Ilorin.

From Gambari to Oja-Oba where the palace of Ilorin Emir is situated, residents of the ancient Islamic city witnessed a display of royalty, culture, colours and class as the sons and daughters of the community proudly came out to honour an Illustrious son who was officially turbaned as the 10th Sarkin Gobir of Ilorin Emirate.

The emir appointed Yakubu Gobir the 10th Sarkin Gobir of Ilorin following the demise of his cousin, captain Alhaji Muhammad Ahmad Yusuf-Gobir in October 2024 who had held the tittle until his demise.

The title of Sarkin Gobir is one of the most respected hereditary traditional titles in Ilorin with a very rich and exciting history.

The Emir, while performing the turbaning ceremony at his place, urged the new titleholder who also holds the title of Madawaki of Ilorin, to uphold the virtues of selflessness, integrity and community service that earned him the prestigious title.

“Alhaji Yakubu Gobir is a true son of Ilorin and I am proud of him. He has consistently demonstrated a commitment to community development and the upliftment of the less privileged. With this new role, you must unite the Gobir clan and continue to promote the rich cultural heritage of this Emirate. May Almighty Allah guide you aright,” the royal father said.

Roll call

The turbaning ceremony attracted several dignitaries from within and beyond Kwara state, including Hon Moshood Mustapha (Wakilin Ngeri), Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq (elder brother of the Kwara state governor and Mutawali Ngeri of Ilorin), Alhaji Abubakar Sulu-Gambari (Chiroma of Ilorin), Senator Abdullahi Gobir (Sokoto state), Alhaji Abdulkadir Attahiru Adamu Manko (chairman, HAM Foundation), Professor Aisha Gobir, Professor Olaolu Ali (SAN), Hon Ganiyu Cook Olododo (Mai Gaskiya Ilorin), Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu (Kwara state commissioner for education), Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim (Sarkin Hausawa of Kwara state), Alhaji Lukman Mustapha (chairman, Board of Directors, Sobi FM), Professor Suleiman Abubakar Amana, and Alhaji Tajudeen AbdulKadir (the Makama of Lafiaji), among others.

Royal procession

Following the turbaning ceremony, Alhaji Yakubu Gobir rode on horseback in a grand procession to the Emir’s Palace, accompanied by a large crowd of well-wishers. The colorful display of Ilorin’s rich cultural heritage reaffirmed the deep-rooted traditions of the emirate.

Going spiritual

Later in the day, a prayer session was organised in honor of the new Sarkin Gobir at his family compound. The prayer service was led by the Chief Imam of Gambari, Sheikh Suleiman AbdulAzeez, who prayed for wisdom, strength, and divine guidance for the new traditional leader as he assumes his new role.

Responsibility

As the new Sarkin Gobir, Alhaji Yakubu Gobir is tasked with the responsibility of fostering unity within the Gobir clan and advancing the Emirate’s cultural legacy.

The genesis

The title of Sarkin Gobir is one of the most respected hereditary traditional titles in Ilorin with a very rich and exciting history.

Blueprint checks revealed that Sarkin Gobir is one of the sub-chiefs under the headship of the Balogun Gambari of Ilorin.

The national secretary of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Alhaji Imam Abubakar, said the holder of the title of Sarkin Gobir is the traditional head of the entire Gobir family. He is also the head of the Gobir clan as well as all indigenes and residents of Ilorin whose ancestry can be traced to the historic kingdom of Gobir in the present-day Sokoto state.

“Gobir itself is a popular tribe whose existence and popularity predated the historic Jihad of Shaykh Usman Danfodiyo, the founder of Sokoto Caliphate. Its history dates back to the pre-Islamic Arabia and through migration across the mediterranean ocean to the present-day Niger Republic.

“The group, through wars and migration, eventually found its way into Nigeria and especially in the contemporary Sokoto state from where the ancestors of the new Sarkin Gobir of Ilorin came down to Ilorin.

“The people of Gobir, who are called Gobirawa, are said to be among the first sets of Hausa-speaking groups known to the Yoruba. They are courageous and industrious people and are also fearless warriors.

“Many of them led by Sarkin Gobir Soba (who was a direct descendant of Sarkin Gobir Yunfa and Sarkin Gobir Nafata) as a result of the rampaging effects of the Jihad launched by Shaykh Usman Danfodiyo, migrated down south. They served as farmers, soldiers and hunters across Yorubaland and Nupeland and eventually found a home in Ilorin”.

“The Gobirawa continued to thrive in Ilorin, leading to a close relationship with members of other groups.”