Hon. Mashood Mustapha (MM), the Wakilin of Ilorin Emirate, has warned that unchecked political ambitions could threaten the unity and historical heritage of the Ilorin Emirate, urging stakeholders to place collective peace above partisan interests.
In a statement issued on Monday, Hon. MM cautioned that allowing politics to divide the Emirate would amount to a betrayal of the sacrifices made by the forefathers who built Ilorin on the foundations of faith, resilience, and unity.
He described Ilorin Emirate, under the leadership of the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, CFR, as a symbol of enduring cultural and religious heritage that must be protected from internal strife.
According to him, the legacy of Sheikh Alimi and the generations that fought to preserve peace in Ilorin must not be undermined by actions driven by personal or political ambition.
The Wakilin of Ilorin Emirate also extended his condolences to the Emir of Ilorin and the entire Emirate over the passing of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, describing the late cleric as a beacon of Islamic scholarship and moral guidance whose influence transcended local boundaries.
“The late Chief Imam was not just a religious leader but a teacher who embodied the true values of Islam and brought many closer to Allah,” he said, noting that the overwhelming tributes that followed his death were a testament to his global impact.
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However, the Wakilin of Ilorin expressed concern over what he described as the politicisation of the solemn burial rites, lamenting that actions by some individuals turned a sacred moment into an avoidable controversy.
He apologised to the Emir and the people of Ilorin for the conduct of some title holders and their supporters, stressing that traditional titles are privileges that demand restraint, dignity, and exemplary leadership.
“As traditional title holders, we must remember that our youths are watching. History and posterity will judge our actions,” Hon. MM said, adding that conduct capable of sowing division must be discouraged.
He called on senior and eminent traditional title holders within the Emirate to speak out and take proactive steps to preserve unity, suggesting a meeting of all Emirate title holders to deliberate on peace and progress.
“When those expected to lead are found wanting, what do we expect from ordinary citizens?” he asked.
The Wakilin of Ilorin further emphasised that political disagreements are temporary, but the unity of Ilorin Emirate is permanent and sacred, urging residents to focus on honouring the late Chief Imam, supporting his family, and safeguarding the legacy he left behind.
He also commended individuals and groups who contributed morally and financially to the medical care, repatriation, and burial of the late Chief Imam, praying that Allah rewards them abundantly.
Hon. MM disclosed that he was in Saudi Arabia performing Umrah at the time of the cleric’s death, adding that he would visit the bereaved family upon his return to pay his respects.
Reaffirming his commitment to peace, Hon. Mashood Mustapha urged residents to continue to respect the Emir of Ilorin and the institution of traditional and religious leadership, while praying for divine guidance for the Emir in the selection of a new Chief Imam.
“Politics will come and go, but what binds us together as a people is far greater than what separates us,” he said.
