Osinbajo, Emir of Ilorin Hail AbdulRazaqs as Alimi is turbaned Mutawali

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who was among eminent personalities from all walks of life that witnessed the turbaning of Dr. Alimi AbdulRazaq as the second Mutawali of Ilorin Emirate by Kwara State Chairman of Traditional Council and Chiefs and Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, described the conferment as an honour well-deserved.

Vice President Osinbajo, a Nigerian law schoolmate to the Mutawali, said Alimi brings many sterling qualities to the royal title.

“His accomplishments in law, education and participation in banking industry are testaments to the quality of Dr. Alimi AbdulRazaq. He follows in succession to his late father Alhaji AGF AbdulRazaq (SAN) as the first Mutawali of Ilorin.

“We can all attest to the fact that the new Mutawali of Ilorin brings many qualities to the title. The first class mind who has navigated the legal profession and the complex world of business and politics at the highest level possible strictly on the merit of his own capacity and the weight of his contributions.”

Osinbajo applauded Mutawali’s outstanding contributions to human rights protection in Africa, which he said set the framework for the establishment of the Africa Court for Human and Peoples Rights.”

“What stands him out for this role is his compassion and belief in upholding the human dignity at all levels. Some may not know that his PhD thesis on human rights protection in Africa set the framework for the establishment of Africa Court for Human and Peoples Rights which was commissioned by the Organisation for African Unity (now African Union),” he added.

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, in his address said Dr. Alimi AbdulRazaq and the AbdulRazaqs of Ilorin deserve the honour from Emirate for their sterling contributions to the ancient city, Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole.

“AbdulRazaq family deserves the honour received today from the people of Ilorin Emirate. May Allah bless the position.

 “I believe the family will continue to contribute to the development of Ilorin Emirate, Kwara State and Nigeria in general,” the monarch said.

The Emir also commended the Vice President for his contributions to national development and for coming to honour the Emirate on the historic occasion.

“We know your contributions to the development of our dear country, Nigeria. I know you love Ilorin and we acknowledge your support to our state,” the Emir said.

The royal turbaning was also witnessed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi; Speaker State House of Assembly, Engr. Yakubu Danladi Salihu; members of the national and state assemblies; cabinet members; top members of the bench and the bar; and title holders from within and outside of the emirate.

Others were first class traditional rulers from within and outside of Kwara State, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; members of the academia and  business community.