The Ilorin Emirate Council is a traditional governing body in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State. It is a significant cultural and administrative institution that plays a vital role in the local governance and cultural preservation of the Ilorin Emirate.
One of the most distinctive and admirable aspects of the Ilorin Emirate is its multi-ethnic composition, evident in both its settlement and leadership structures under the leadership of Amir al-Mu’minin.
The first emir, Shehu Abdul-Salam, affectionately known as “Oba Digi Aye,” established a robust and inclusive administrative system, as demonstrated by the Emirate’s administrative council.
« Leadership »
◦ Emir: The head of the Ilorin Emirate Council is the Emir, who is a traditional ruler with significant influence and authority.
◦ Council Members: The Emir is supported by a council consisting of traditional chiefs and advisors who assist in the administration and governance of the Emirate.
« Functions & Resposibilites »
◦ Cultural Preservation: The Ilorin Emirate Council is responsible for preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Ilorin, including traditional festivals, rituals, and customs.
◦ Religious Leadership: The Emirate has a strong Islamic heritage, and the council plays a significant role in the religious life of the community, organizing religious events, and ensuring the propagation of Islamic values.
◦ Social Governance: The Ilorin Emirate Council plays a key role in maintaining social order and resolving disputes within the community. It acts as a mediator in conflicts and ensures the enforcement of traditional laws and customs.
◦ Advisory Role: The Emirate Council advises the state government on matters affecting the local community, including development projects, educational initiatives, and social policies.
« Emir of Ilorin »
The Emir of Ilorin reigns supreme as the head of the Ilorin Emirate Council. He serves as the public face of the emirate and plays a significant role in maintaining its traditions and cultural identity.
Over the centuries, the Ilorin Emirate has been governed by a succession of Emirs, each contributing uniquely to the development and sustenance of the Emirate’s influence.
Here is a comprehensive list of notable past Emirs of the Ilorin Emirate;
| Emir | Reign | |
|---|---|---|
| Abdulsalami dan Shehu Alimi | – | 1824-1842 |
| Muhammad Shitta dan Shehu Alimi | – | 1842-1860 |
| Zubair dan Abdusalami | – | 1860-1868 |
| Aliyu dan Muhammad Shita | – | 1868-1891 |
| Abdusalami Mamaloso dan Zubair | – | 1891-1895 |
| Sulyman dan Aliyu | – | 1895-1915 |
| Shuaibu Bawa dan Zubair | – | 1915-1919 |
| Abdulkadir dan Shuaibu Bawa | – | 1919-1959 |
| Zulukarnain dan Muhammad Laofe | – | 1959-1992 |
| Aliyu dan Abdulkadir | – | 1992-1995 |
| Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari | – | 1995-Till Date |
« Ilorin Emirate Council Members »
The Emir’s leadership is complemented by a council consisting of kingmakers, traditional chiefs, and advisors, each holding unique titles and responsibilities with a dedication to upholding the Emirate’s cultural integrity and promoting the welfare of its people. Among its members are;
| Balogun Gambari | – | Alh. Muhammed A. Adebayo |
| Magaji Aare | – | Alh. Shuaib Aremu Zubair |
| Balogun Fulani | – | Alh. Abubakar Sadiq Fulani |
| Balogun Ajikobi | – | Alh. Isiaka Okunrin-Jeje |
| Balogun Alanamu | – | Dr. Usman Abubakar Jos |
| Magaji Ngeri | – | Alh. Muhammed Jamiu Adebayo |
| Baba Isale | – | Alh. Abdullahi Sidiq Baba Ileapa |
| Galadima Gari | – | Alh. Umar Adelodun |
« Ilorin Emirate Imams »
The Ilorin Emirate stands out as a major cultural and religious center, renowned for its rich Islamic heritage. The Imams of the Ilorin Emirate play vital roles in the community, serving as religious leaders, scholars, and guardians of Islamic traditions.
| Chief Imam of Ilorin | – | Sheikh Dr. Muhammed Bashir Salih (OON) |
| Imam Imale | – | Sheikh Abdullahi Abdulhameed |
| Imam Gambari | – | Sheikh Sulaiman Abdulazeez |
| Ajanasi Agba Ilorin | – | Sheikh Yusuf Mujtaba Bature |
| Alfa Rabana | – | Sheikh Yahaya Obansola |
« District Heads Of Ilorin Emirate »
The Ilorin Emirate is organized into several districts, each overseen by a district head who reports to the Emir of Ilorin.
District heads govern under the Emir’s authority, and act as representatives at the local level. These district heads play crucial roles in local governance, administration, and the maintenance of cultural traditions.
| Daudu Beere | – | Alh. Ahmad Yusuf |
| Daudu Faagba | – | Alh. Alabi Suleiman |
| Daudu Lanwa, Saadu, Jebba | – | Alh. Aliyu Olarongbe Gambari |
| Daudu Ballah | – | |
| Daudu Malete | – | Mallam Ibrahim Baba Bello |
| Daudu Ejindogari | – | Alh.Yusuf Saliu Sauta |
| Daudu Fufu | – | Alh. Alege Mu’azu Muh’d Bello |
| Daudu Gbagede | – | Alh. Olayinka Ibrahim |
| Daudu Afon | – | Mallam Hanafi Kola Balogun |
| Daudu Ipaye | – | Alh. Abdulwahab Suleiman |
| Daudu Iponrin | – | Alh. Yahya Ahmed |
« Ilorin Emirate Honorary Titles »
Ilorin Emirate bestows several honorary titles upon distinguished individuals to recognize their contributions to the community, governance, religion, and various sectors.
These titles hold significant cultural and social importance and are often granted to individuals who have shown exceptional service or leadership. Here are some of the prominent honorary titles in the Ilorin Emirate:
| Title | Holder | |
|---|---|---|
| Waziri of Ilorin Emirate | – | Dr. Bukola Saraki CON |
| Turaki of Ilorin Emirate | – | Sen. Saliu Mustapha |
| Grand Mufti of Ilorin Emirate | – | Sheikh Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa OON |
| Mutawali of Ilorin Emirate | – | Dr. Alimi Abdulrazaq |
| Sarkin Mallamai of Ilorin Emirate | – | Shaykh Imam Yacqub Ali-Agan |
| Malami Ubandoma of Ilorin Emirate | – | Shaykh Abdulkadir Oba Solagberu |
| Madawaki of Ilorin Emirate | – | Alh. Waziri Yakubu Gobir |
| Danmasani of Ilorin Emirate | – | Engr Sulyman Yahaya Alapansanpa |
| Tafida of Ilorin Emirate | – | Alh. Abubakar Kawu Baraje |
| Shettima of Ilorin Emirate | – | Alh, Saka Onimago |
| Dan Iyan of Ilorin Emirate | – | Engr. Kale Kawu Agaka |
| Sarauniya of Ilorin Emirate | – | Hajia Bola Shagaya |
