Thousands of residents, tourists and dignitaries on Thursday gathered at the Kwara Baseball Park, Adewole, Ilorin, for the 2026 Ilorin Emirate Grand Durbar celebration.
The annual Durbar, held during the Eid-el-Kabir festivities, featured colourful horse processions, traditional drumming, music, praise singing and rich cultural displays that showcased the heritage of the Ilorin Emirate.
Among dignitaries at the event were Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, alongside traditional title holders, government officials, clerics and business leaders.
Hundreds of horse riders thrilled spectators with coordinated parades and equestrian performances, as residents and visitors dressed in vibrant traditional attire filled the venue.
Security was tight around the event, with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps deployed to maintain order and ensure safety.
The Durbar Committee had earlier announced enhanced security arrangements for the festival, including CCTV surveillance at strategic locations and participation of about 500 horses in the procession.
Speaking at the event, the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, Alhaji Usman Atolagbe, described the Ilorin Emirate as a strong symbol of peaceful coexistence among diverse ethnic groups.
“Fulani, Yoruba, Nupe, Baruba, Hausa, Kanuri, Gobirawa and several other communities have continued to live together peacefully under the Ilorin Emirate structure,” he said.
Also speaking, the Mogaji of Odo-Okun Community, Alhaji Kabir Dogo, said the annual Durbar has continued to promote unity, tourism and economic activities in Ilorin and across Kwara State.
Photo Credit: Abdullahi Sanni
