By Hon. Mashood Mustapha (MM)
There are moments in the life of a people when silence becomes dangerous and indifference amounts to betrayal. This is one of such moments for Ilorin Emirate. If we allow political ambitions (no matter how well-packaged) to erode our unity, then we risk dismantling anytime soon, what our forefathers built with sacrifice, faith, and blood over centuries.
Ilorin Emirate under the leadership of our revered royal father, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, CFR, is blessed with a rich historical and cultural heritage; one forged through the blood, sweat, and tears of our forefathers. Today, Ilorin stands tall as a testament to their resilience, sacrifice, and indomitable spirit. Wars were fought and battles endured so that generations unborn could live in peace and unity. These are values we have enjoyed to this day. It would be a grave dishonour to the memory and legacy of our beloved Sheikh Alimi if we allow internal strife, driven by inordinate political ambitions, to tear us apart.
Before I proceed, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to our revered Emir and the people of Ilorin Emirate on the passing of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu. I also feel compelled to apologize for the regrettable and shameful conduct of some Dahiris of Ilorin who turned what should have been a solemn and sacred moment into a distasteful political spectacle, laced with hypocrisy by spreading unfounded and unsubstantiated allegations.
There is no gainsaying the fact that our late Chief Imam was not just a religious leader, but a teacher and beacon of Islamic values. He exemplified the beauty of Islam, brought many souls closer to Allah, and projected the intellectual and spiritual depth of Ilorin Emirate to the world. He was a firm believer in the supremacy of Allah, and his teachings shaped the lives and character of many of us. Little wonder that his passing drew an overwhelming outpouring of tributes from across the globe.
The death, burial, and Fidau prayer of our most revered Islamic cleric have now passed. His memory deserved nothing but respect, and his dignity should have been preserved even in death. Sadly, some individuals chose that solemn moment as an opportunity for needless bickering. More painful still is the fact that outsiders were reportedly recruited to do the dirty work.
Holding a traditional title is a privilege; one that comes with immense responsibility, decorum, and restraint. I feel honoured to be conferred with the prestigious title of Wakilin of Ilorin Emirate, and I am also grateful for the privilege to be the son of a living legend who holds the esteemed title of Wali of Ilorin, Alhaji Usman Mustapha. It pains me to admit that the conduct of some of my fellow title holders in recent days has fallen short of expectations. Our youths are watching, and history will judge us. Posterity will not forgive us if we fail to lead by example. We must strive to be role models whose actions inspire peace, greatness, and prosperity, and not agents of discord and division.
I therefore call on eminent and senior traditional title holders in Ilorin Emirate not to remain silent. If it’s possible, let there be a meeting of all the Emirate title holders where peace and progress of the Emirate can be discussed. When eminent title holders are found wanting, what do we expect from ordinary citizens?
Ilorin has always been known as one indivisible entity. We must not allow politics to consume us. Who did what, when, or how should not matter at this time. Our collective duty is to honour the deceased, support the family he left behind, and protect the legacy he laboured so hard to build.
My heart goes out to the family of our beloved Chief Imam and to the entire Muslim Ummah. May Allah grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.
I wish to use this medium to sincerely appreciate everyone who contributed, both morally and financially, toward ensuring that our Late Chief Imam received the best possible care until the point of his passing. I am also deeply grateful to those who facilitated the return of the deceased to Ilorin and made tangible contributions to his burial. Your kindness, support, and generosity did not go unnoticed and will never be forgotten. May Almighty Allah bless and reward you all abundantly.
It is quite unfortunate that the death happened at a time that I was in Saudi Arabia for Umrah. By the grace of God, upon my return to the country, I will visit the family of the deceased to pay my last respects. May Almighty Allah comfort them at this trying period. Aamin.
Remember, politics will come and go, political differences will always arise, and our opinions may not always align. However, what binds us together as a people is far greater than what separates us. We must never forget who we are.
Going forward, let us embrace peace, respect our Emir, and honour our religious leaders. May Ilorin Emirate continue to grow in leaps and bounds under the leadership of our royal father of inestimable value, the Emir of Ilorin. May Allah guide him in the choice of a new Chief Imam. Aamin.
Signed:
Hon. Mashood Mustapha (MM)
*Wakilin of Ilorin Emirate.*
Monday, 26th January, 2026.