PHOTOS: AbdulRazaq, Emir of Ilorin lead thousands at Kwara Durbar

Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, came alive on Thursday as thousands of residents, tourists, and dignitaries thronged the Kwara Baseball Park for the 2026 Ilorin Emirate Grand Durbar celebration. The annual event, a highlight of the Eid-el-Kabir festivities, showcased a vibrant display of Nigerian culture through horse processions, traditional music, drumming, and praise singing.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, were among the prominent figures present. They were joined by traditional title holders, government officials, clerics, and business leaders. Hundreds of horse riders captivated the audience with coordinated parades and equestrian skills, while attendees donned colorful traditional attire, filling the venue with a festive atmosphere. Security was tight, with personnel from the police, army, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps deployed to ensure order.

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Fulani, Yoruba, Nupe, Baruba, Hausa, Kanuri, Gobirawa and several other communities have continued to live together peacefully under the Ilorin Emirate structure.

Organizers had announced enhanced security measures, including CCTV cameras, for the festival. The event underscored the Ilorin Emirate's significance as a bastion of peaceful coexistence. Alhaji Usman Atolagbe, the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, emphasized the emirate's success in fostering harmony among various ethnic communities, including Fulani, Yoruba, Nupe, Baruba, Hausa, Kanuri, and Gobirawa. Mogaji Alhaji Kabir Dogo of Odo-Okun Community added that the Durbar plays a crucial role in promoting unity and stimulating economic activities not only within Ilorin but across Kwara State.

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the annual Durbar had contributed to the promotion of unity and economic activities in Ilorin and across Kwara State.