In Ilorin, the Durbar festival represents more than a cultural celebration-it is a enduring love letter to horses, written in hoofbeats across the Emir's Palace forecourt. For a new generation of royals, that passion is beginning at an early age.

This Eid-el-Kabir, the palace grounds came alive with colour, drums, and the proud clip-clop of decorated stallions. Among the spectators were three of Ilorin's youngest royals who are already discovering the magic of the saddle.

The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, is a sportsman, accomplished horse rider and multi-award recipient, regarded as one of the most prominent traditional rulers in the nation.

In terms of career, Sulu-Gambari voluntarily retired as the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division in 1995 following the demise of his uncle, to become the 11th Emir of Ilorin. In terms of status, the stool of the Emir of Ilorin belongs to the 16 recognised First Traditional Rulers in Northern Nigeria before independence and presently ranks 9th in that category. His Royal Highness clocked 86 years on 22 April 2026.

Even at an advanced age, the Emir of Ilorin remains fashionable, intellectually sound and enjoys the company of people. His love for his subjects knows no bounds, and he fulfils his roles as father to all in the state without bias.

There is no doubt that Emir Sulu-Gambari is the architect of the Renewed Ilorin Emirate in the areas of modernisation and attraction of numerous developmental opportunities beyond Ilorin Emirate, spread across Kwara, a viable state in the North-Central part of Nigeria.

He single-handedly revived the Ilorin Emirate Grand Durbar Festival after many years to serve as an avenue for preserving the cultural heritage of the people of Ilorin Emirate, to foster peaceful coexistence, harmonious working relationships, as well as projecting and repositioning the city to the world.

Horses are among the phenomena that always feature during the annual Durbar festival. The Emir is also known for his extreme love of horse riding since his tender age as a Prince, later as the Ciroma of Ilorin and now as the 11th Emir of Ilorin. This genetic trait has become hereditary, as virtually all the Emir's grandchildren now ride horseback without any support.

Prince Aliyu Sulu-Gambari
Status: Emir's youngest son
Age: 7
Hobby: Drawing
Passion: Horse riding
Ambition: Architectural Engineer
Favourite Colour: Blue

Quotes:

"I like drawing horses. One day I will be an Architectural Engineer and I will design big stables for them."

"When I grow older, I will ride in front like my brothers."

Princess Aisha Sulu-Gambari
Status: Emir's granddaughter
Age: 6
Hobby: Reading
Passion: Horse riding
Ambition: Pilot
Favourite Colour: Yellow

Quotes:

"I love horses because they are strong and beautiful."

"I want to be a pilot. Then I can fly in the sky and also ride my horse on the ground."

Laufe Hudayfah
Status: Emir's grandson
Age: 4
Hobby: Playing games
Passion: Horse riding
Ambition: Undecided
Favourite Colour: N/A

These are just a few examples of the wonders that princes and princesses of the Ilorin Emirate are displaying as their contributions to the preservation of the cultural heritage of the ancient city, without in any way affecting their excellent academic performances and Quranic education.