Understanding Ilorin’s Complex History

By means of SULEIMAN OBA YAHAYA ALAPANSANPA

My open letter is addressed to those whose “tribal identity” does not cloud their intellectual objectivity – essential for addressing distortions in texts and opinions that may serve as references in the future.

To clarify, Obatala, according to an erudite author, from whom Oduduwa is said to have taken over Ile Ife, was NOT a Yoruba, as Yorubas are considered to be descendants of Oduduwa. However, the Ifes and Egbas from whom the Oyos took Ibadan were not Oyo Yorubas. In the same way, the Itoko and Ijemo people who originally lived in Abeokuta were not Egbas; instead, the Egbas, driven out of Ibadan by the Oyos, later took over Abeokuta. Furthermore, the rulers of Lagos, who are Edo people, took the land from the Egun people through military conquest.

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In the 11th-14th centuries, the early Hausa city-states, including Kano, Katsina, Zaria (Zazzau), and Gobir, frequently clashed over trade routes, territorial expansion, and political dominance. The Sokoto Caliphate eventually united these Hausa city-states and Fulani territories under a centralized Islamic government through a complex web of alliances and conflicts.

It is disheartening when supposedly respected individuals fall victim to contemporary prejudices and make statements that have serious implications on our history, institutions and values. Recently, the mother of the 15th Emir of Kano, who was the younger sister of the mother of the current Emir of Ilorin and a full-blooded Fulani woman, was wrongly labeled as “Yoruba” to support a politically motivated opinion.

Identity is not something you choose, nor can you impose an identity that is not authentically yours. The mother of the 15th Emir of Kano was in fact a Fulani woman and a princess of the Emirate of Ilorin. Her lineage is demonstrably traced to Emir Abdulkadir Dan Bawa, her father; Emir Shuaib Bawa, her grandfather; Emir Zubair, her great-grandfather; and Emir Abdulsalam, the very first Emir of Ilorin, her great-great-grandfather – all of whom were Fulani.

I am continually fascinated by the efforts of esteemed writers, intellectuals and scholars who seek to understand the continued harmonious existence of the people of Ilorin despite continuous campaigns of divided history and name calling. Our community remains united under one Emir, which reflects our strengthened cohesion.

As Nigerians, it is crucial that we learn from Ilorin and understand our unique culture and identity of diversity and rise above the “tribal-ness” that divides. A true student of history recognizes that what are now sovereign nations were once a collection of settlements from diverse backgrounds that worked together to build some of the world’s greatest civilizations.

The vibrant capital of Kwara State, the city of Ilorin is an example of Nigeria’s rich cultural tapestry. It is home to diverse ethnic groups including Yorubas, Hausas, Gobirs, Nupes, Fulanis, Kanuri and Barubas, all of whom live harmoniously side by side. HRH Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council, puts on a spectacular cultural feast – the annual Ilorin Emirate Grand Durbar festival held every 2nd or 3rd day of Eid Adha, was established to highlight the unity of the community and the diversity of the city to the world.

The Ilorin Durbar is more than just a festival; it is a testament to the enduring traditions of the Ilorin Emirate and the harmonious spirit of its people. It is an unmissable experience for anyone interested in cultural heritage, and showcases true love, unity and community cohesion. #ilorindurbar.

*Grav. Suleiman Oba Yahaya Alapansanpa is Danmasani of Ilorin

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