The Sarkin Gobir and Madawaki of Ilorin Emirate, Yakubu Gobir, has appealed to the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the Turaki of Ilorin, Senator Saliu Mustapha, to rise above their political differences and preserve the bonds of brotherhood, mutual respect and shared heritage that unite the people of Ilorin.
In a statement issued by Gobir in Ilorin on Monday, he also appealed to supporters and loyalists of both political leaders to refrain from personal attacks, provocative statements and campaigns of calumny.
The Emirate traditional titleholder warned that political disagreements should not be allowed to create divisions that could outlast the political contests that produced them.
The Sarkin Gobir said his appeal was made with particular sincerity because of his longstanding personal relationships with both men.
“I have known the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for almost 40 years, and I have known the Turaki of Ilorin, Senator Saliu Mustapha, for almost 10 years. I have enjoyed a good personal relationship with both of them, and I regard both as brothers and friends.”
He said that, over the years, he had personally witnessed the mutual respect and regard that existed between the two men, making the current political differences particularly regrettable.
“Having known both of them personally for many years, I know that there is much more that unites them than divides them. Whatever political differences may exist today should not be allowed to erase years of friendship, mutual respect and shared history.”
Gobir stressed that Governor AbdulRazaq and Senator Mustapha are, first and foremost, sons of Ilorin, irrespective of their political affiliations or present disagreements.
“Before politics, there is brotherhood. Before political parties, there is Ilorin. That bond must remain stronger than whatever political differences may exist between us.”
He said political competition was a legitimate and necessary part of democratic life, but urged both men to demonstrate the maturity expected of leaders by ensuring that political disagreements do not degenerate into personal hostility.
“Politics is a contest. We may disagree today and agree tomorrow, but bitterness should never be allowed to take the place of brotherhood.”
The Sarkin Gobir particularly appealed to supporters of both camps to exercise restraint in their public engagements, stressing that loyalty to a political leader should never require hostility towards those who hold opposing views.
“Loyalty does not mean hatred. You can defend your leader without insulting another man’s leader. You can disagree without destroying relationships.”
He expressed concern that personal attacks and inflammatory rhetoric could create wounds that remain long after political contests have ended.
“We must be careful with the words we use. A political statement made today may create a wound that takes years to heal. We should not sacrifice the peace and unity of Ilorin for temporary political battles.”
According to him, the people of Ilorin are connected through blood, marriage, history, culture and shared ancestry, making the preservation of these bonds a collective responsibility.
“Ilorin is one big family. We may belong to different political camps, but we still share the same heritage. When political disagreements begin to affect our relationships, the entire community feels the consequences.”
Gobir also appealed to the Sardauna and the Turaki to recognise that their responsibilities extend beyond politics and into the preservation of the dignity and unity of the Ilorin Emirate.
He noted that their traditional titles carry responsibilities that transcend political seasons.
“Our traditional titles are not merely for decoration. They come with responsibility. We have inherited a respected institution and a rich heritage from our forefathers, and it is our duty to protect its dignity and pass it on to the next generation.”
He stressed that political offices, parties and alliances are temporary, while the traditional heritage of Ilorin is enduring.
“Governments will change. Political alliances will change. Elections will come and go. But Ilorin will remain. The traditional institutions and heritage we inherited from our forefathers must therefore remain above political disagreements.”
The Sarkin Gobir said traditional titleholders should be among the strongest advocates for peace, reconciliation and unity, particularly when disagreements arise among prominent members of the community.
“Our responsibility as traditional titleholders is to bring our people together, especially when there are disagreements. We must always look for what unites us rather than what divides us.”
He therefore urged Governor AbdulRazaq and Senator Mustapha to lead by example by keeping open channels of dialogue and mutual respect, regardless of their political differences.
“Let the two leaders show the way. Where there is disagreement, let there be dialogue. Where there is suspicion, let there be understanding. Their supporters will follow their example.”
Gobir also urged political actors and their supporters to redirect their energy towards issues that affect the welfare and development of the people.
“The people are looking to their leaders for development, peace and good governance. They do not want to see their leaders and supporters fighting endlessly. They want us to build Ilorin together.”
He emphasised that the political contests of today should not be allowed to define the relationships and heritage that will remain for generations.
“Our children will inherit the relationships we preserve and the institutions we protect. We must therefore ask ourselves what kind of Ilorin we want to leave behind for them.”
He concluded with an appeal for restraint, reconciliation and mutual respect among all political and traditional stakeholders.
“Let us disagree politically without becoming enemies. Let us compete without destroying one another. And above all, let us preserve the peace, unity and dignity of Ilorin for our children and generations yet unborn.”