Ilorin Emir’s Spokesperson Fires Back at Columnist Over ‘Frivolous Article’
In a stern response, the spokesman for the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, has warned newspaper columnist Lasisi Olagunju to desist from attacking the character of the revered traditional ruler.
Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, the Emir’s spokesman, issued a statement on Thursday, accusing Olagunju of displaying “a high level of ignorance about culture, tradition, and royalty” in his recent publication. Arowona stated that Olagunju’s article has “reflected his antics as a divisive element rather than what he ought to be as a scholar of repute and well-respected media chief.”
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The spokesman stressed that at this stage in the Emir’s life, Olagunju should instead be “chronicling his personality and celebrating his longstanding contributions to the legal profession, traditional institution, national integration, and humanity in general.” Alhaji Sulu-Gambari, an octogenarian, has served as the Emir of Ilorin for 29 years, leading a heterogeneous and cosmopolitan city where many non-indigenes thrive in various careers and trades.
Arowona pointed out that Olagunju’s kinsmen who are based in Ilorin “find joy being addressed as Ilorites” and “are even enjoying all the benefits and privileges therein.” He questioned the relevance of the discussion on the Emir’s name or identity to the current national issues, urging Olagunju to instead channel his “expertise and energies” towards projecting Nigeria’s image within the international community and mentoring youths against social vices.
The spokesman further highlighted the Emir’s impressive educational and professional background, including his legal career, judicial appointments, and prestigious academic positions. Alhaji Sulu-Gambari was conferred with the National Award of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2001 by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration.
Arowona concluded by stressing that the Emirate is not in a “war of identity” with anyone and will not tolerate such attacks, emphasizing that “Our Emir Is Nobody’s Specimen For Laboratory Test.”
By PRNigeria
