Ilorin Celebrates As Businessman Yakubu Gobir Ascends As 10th Sarkin Gobir

Ilorin, Kwara State- Ilorin was filled with excitement on Friday as prominent businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Yakubu Olayiwola Gobir, was officially turbaned as the 10th Sarkin Gobir of Ilorin Emirate.

The grand ceremony took place at the Emir’s Palace, with the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, presiding over the traditional rites.

During the turbaning, the Emir urged Gobir to uphold the values of selflessness, integrity, and community service, which earned him the prestigious title.

He described Gobir, who also holds the title of Madawaki of Ilorin, as a man deeply committed to the welfare of his people.

The event was attended by dignitaries, traditional rulers, and well-wishers from across the country, make it  a moment in Ilorin’s rich cultural history.

According to the Emir, “Alhaji Yakubu Gobir is a true son of Ilorin, and I am proud of him. He has consistently demonstrated a commitment to community development and the upliftment of the less privileged. With this new role, you must unite the Gobir clan and continue to promote the rich cultural heritage of this Emirate. May Almighty Allah guide you aright.”

Among the prominent figures who graced the occasion was Prof. Hon. Ali Ahmad (SAN), former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly and former House of Representatives member, who described the newly turbaned Sarkin Gobir as a distinguished cultural leader and devout Muslim.

“He deserves this honor due to his proven pedigree, character, and hard work. Now, with both a traditional and honorary title, I congratulate him on this milestone,” he remarked.

The turbaning ceremony attracted several dignitaries from within and beyond Kwara State, including Hon. Moshood Mustapha (Wakilin Ngeri), Dr. Alimi AbdulRazaq (elder brother of the Kwara State Governor and Mutawali Ngeri of Ilorin), Alhaji Abubakar Sulu-Gambari (Chiroma of Ilorin), Senator Abdullahi Gobir (Sokoto State), Alhaji Abdulkadir Attahiru Adamu Manko (Chairman, HAM Foundation), Professor Aisha Gobir, Professor Olaolu Ali (SAN), Hon. Ganiyu Cook Olododo (Mai Gaskiya Ilorin), Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu (Kwara State Commissioner for Education), Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim (Sarkin Hausawa of Kwara State), Alhaji Lukman Mustapha (Chairman, Board of Directors, Sobi FM), Professor Suleiman Abubakar Amana, and Alhaji Tajudeen AbdulKadir (The Makama of Lafiaji), among others.

Meanwhile, following the turbaning ceremony, Alhaji Yakubu Gobir rode on horseback in a grand procession to the Emir’s Palace, accompanied by a large crowd of well-wishers.

The colorful display of Ilorin’s rich cultural heritage reaffirmed the deep-rooted traditions of the emirate.

However, a prayer session was organized in honor of the new Sarkin Gobir at his family compound.

The prayer service was led by the Chief Imam of Gambari, Sheikh Suleiman AbdulAzeez, who prayed for wisdom, strength, and divine guidance for the new traditional leader as he assumes his new role.