The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), was among thousands of sons and daughters of Ilorin who accompanied the royal train of the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on Thursday for the Ilorin Durbar.

It is an annual cultural event where colorful horse riding and other local traditions are paraded.

Mounted on the back of his massively decorated horse with his brother, Mutawali of Ilorin Dr Alimi Abdulrazaq, the Governor congratulated the people of the Emirate on the yearly cultural event that honors Sheikh Alimi’s Islamic monarchy and portrays the valour of the Emirate.

The Abdulrazaqs paraded several horses mounted by young and old family members to welcome the Emir’s large entourage of royal courtiers to their frontage.

This is part of a long-standing tradition in which the monarch tours his community ahead of the grand parade and other ceremonies at his forecourt later in the afternoon.

Speaking with newsmen at the colourful event, the Governor said: “We thank Almighty Allah for making us witness another Durbar of Ilorin Emirate. It is a significantly important culture to the people of Ilorin Emirate, which we commemorate every year. This event unifies and brings us all together to be our brother’s keepers.

“We believe in our religion and of course our culture and our monarchy. At the backend of this is the economic benefit to the state and the emirate as well. Business activities are doing very well, hotels, commercial buildings and relaxation centres alike. You can see how the people are happy, the merriment, the horse riders and everyone. We are having a good time today in Ilorin. In fact, we are enjoying it.”

This was contained in a statement issued by Rafiu Ajakaye, the spokesman to the governor.

The Ilorin Durbar is held every second day of Eid-ul-Adha, and draws thousands of city residents and visitors.