23rd October, 2021
By AbdulFatai Beki/Ilorin
The Emir of llorin, Alhaji lbrahim Sulu-Gambari, on Friday turbaned a business mogul and philanthropist, Malam Salihu Mustapha, as the new Turaki of the llorin emirate.
The event which took place at the palace of the Emir was witnessed by eminent personalities from all walks of life.
The Chief lmam of llorin, Alhaji Mohammed Bashir, while offering prayer before the turbaning, said Malam Salihu Mustapha merited being the Turaki of llorin in view of his invaluable contributions to the upliftment of the less privileged in the society.
He advised the new Turaki to further intensify effort towards the development of the llorin emirate.
The Chief lmam prayed God to give long life, sound health and wisdom to the new Turaki to enable him accomplish challenges ahead.
The Emir of llorin later decorated the new Turaki of the llorin emirate with a turban.
Mustapha said he accepted the new title wholeheartedly and with joy.
The Philanthropist expressed his appreciation to the Emir of llorin for the honour in view of the importance of the title towards the development of the llorin emirate and beyond.
He said he fully understood the enormous responsibility in the title and prayed God to guard and guide him at all times in the discharge of the expected responsibility.
“I promise to be a worthy Turski of llorin to the best of my ability at all times,” the new Turaki said.
The popular Oja-Oba market and other markets within the vicinity of the Emir’s palace were closed in solidarity with the new Turaki and respect for the royal father.
Some of the dignitaries at the event were Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara, the Deputy Governor of Kogi state, Chief Edward Onoja, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Dr Nihinlola Akanbi, the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Esuwoye, and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, among others.
The new Turaki of the llorin emirate is the third Turaki.
The first Turaki of llorin was the late Alhaji Sanni Okin, who was turbaned in 1960 while the second Turaki was second republic Senate Leader, late Dr Olusola Saraki, who was turbaned in 1974.