PHOTOS: Ilorin hosts spectacular 2025 Durbar festival celebration
In a historical event to mark colourful celebration of culture, tradition, and unity of this year’s Emirate Durbar celebration, the residents, indigenes, and visitors on Sunday, gathered at the Kwara Baseball Park in Adewole, Ilorin to grace the occasion in a grand style
It was gathered that the highlight of the event is the majestic procession of horsemen led by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari , who received tributes from dignitaries, community leaders, and subjects.
The festival was officially flagged off on Thursday at the Emir’s Palace by the Chairman of the Ilorin Emirate Durbar Committee, Suleiman Yahaya Alapansanpa, the Danmasani of Ilorin.
Speaking during a press conference, Alapansanpa described the Durbar as more than a mere cultural display.
“The Ilorin Durbar is not just a cultural event; it is a spiritual remembrance, a celebration of harmony, and a living testimony to the resilience and unity of our people,” he said, speaking on behalf of the Emir.
This year’s celebration featured a new well-structured pavilion system to enhance spectators’ experience.
Spectacular displays of horsemanship, adorned regalia, and traditional costumes are expected to be complemented by cultural performances reflecting the deep-rooted traditions of the Ilorin Emirate.
The Durbar tradition in Ilorin, like in other historic northern emirates such as Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zazzau, originated as a showcase of martial skills, royal grandeur, and community cohesion.
Ilorin’s Durbar uniquely reflects the city’s rich cultural tapestry, blending Fulani, Yoruba, Kanuri, Gobir, and Nupe influences.
The festival continues to draw tourists, scholars, and cultural enthusiasts eager to experience the Fulani heritage and Nigeria’s diverse cultural expressions firsthand.
The Informant247 reports that delegates from 17 countries are expected to attend the 2025 Ilorin Emirate Durbar on June 8, 2025, including representatives from the United States, United Kingdom, Republic of Benin, Egypt, Morocco, and more.
At a pre-event press conference at the Emir’s Palace in Ilorin, Engr. Sulaiman Alapansanpa, chairman of the Ilorin Emirate Durbar Committee, highlighted the “valued support” from the Kwara State government.
This year’s celebration is themed “Unity in Diversity – Ilorin’s Timeless Gift” and is set to host about 1,000 invited guests and 2,000 general attendees. Notably, the venue has shifted from the Emir’s palace forecourt to the Kwara Baseball Park in Adewole, Ilorin, a decision made with the Emir of Ilorin, Alh Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari’s approval.
“The Ilorin Durbar is far more than a cultural event; it is a living testament to Ilorin’s rich heritage, exemplifying our unity, peace, and enduring harmony,” Alapansanpa stated.
He reflected on the origins of the durbar, tracing its history back to 1830, following Ilorin’s victory over the Old Oyo Empire and the Baruba warriors. “These early gatherings were not parades of conquest but solemn affirmations of peace and healing, uniting diverse peoples such as the Fulani, Yoruba, Hausa, Baruba, Nupe, Kanuri, and Gobir,” he explained.
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