JUST IN: AbdulRazaq Set for Grand Turbaning as Sardauna of Ilorin on September 15

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, is set to be formally turbaned as the Sardauna of Ilorin by the Emir of Ilorin, His Eminence Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

The forthcoming ceremony is expected to formally mark the installation of AbdulRazaq into the prestigious traditional position, following the earlier conferment of the Sardauna of Ilorin title on the governor by the Emir in August 2024. Recent social media announcements indicate that the official turbaning has now been scheduled for September 15.

The Sardauna title is one of the notable traditional honours within the Ilorin Emirate. When the title was conferred on AbdulRazaq in 2024, the Emir explained that the decision was influenced by the governor’s commitment to the culture and traditions of the emirate, as well as his contributions to the community.

The 2024 conferment made AbdulRazaq the second person to hold the Sardauna of Ilorin title. He succeeded the late businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Umaru Saro, who previously occupied the position before his death.

At the time, the Emir praised AbdulRazaq’s leadership and his efforts to promote the interests of the Ilorin community. Particular recognition was given to the governor’s support for the annual Ilorin Grand Durbar, a major cultural event associated with the emirate.

The monarch also cited AbdulRazaq’s prominence beyond Kwara, including his position as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, as one of the factors considered in conferring traditional honours. The Emir described the governor as someone who promotes peace and supports the preservation of traditional values.

AbdulRazaq, while responding to the original conferment, expressed appreciation to the Emir and described the title as an encouragement to continue working for the people. He acknowledged the historical significance of the Sardauna title and pledged to do more for communities in Kwara.

The September 15 turbaning is therefore expected to attract traditional rulers, government officials, political figures, community leaders and other dignitaries from within and outside Kwara State. The event is also likely to draw considerable attention because of the governor’s prominent position in the state’s political and traditional landscape.

For the Ilorin Emirate, the ceremony represents more than a ceremonial appointment, as traditional titles remain an important aspect of recognising individuals considered to have made significant contributions to the community. AbdulRazaq’s elevation to the position also further links his administration with the cultural institutions of the emirate.

The announcement has already generated interest among residents and supporters of the governor, particularly because the title was initially announced in 2024 but the formal turbaning is now being scheduled for September 15, 2026. If the announced programme proceeds as stated, the ceremony will become another notable event in the relationship between the Kwara State Government and the Ilorin Emirate.