By Amir Rational
The recent conferment of the Sardauna title on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazak by the esteemed Emir of Ilorin Emirate and Chairman of Traditional Rulers in Kwara State marks a significant milestone in the history of traditional chieftain. This prestigious title is reserved for individuals who embody exceptional qualities, including conservatism, prudence, philanthropy, benevolence, nationalism, and greatness.
The legacy of past Sardaunas underscores the importance of this title. These were men of rare character, known for their contributions to humanitarianism, welfare, nationalism, and egalitarianism. The first Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Sir Ahmadu Bello, was a Nigerian political leader who served as the spokesman for Northern Nigeria during the country’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Bello, who was the Sardauna of Sokoto, is considered one of the founding fathers of modern Nigeria. He combined traditional leadership qualities with a deep understanding of Western governance.
Bello’s greatest legacy was the modernization of Northern Nigeria and the unification of its diverse peoples. He founded Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria (the second-largest university in Africa) in 1962, serving as its first chancellor. His portrait is featured on Nigeria’s N200 note. Bello strongly believed in both national and Pan-African unity. Rather than blaming colonialism for the country’s challenges, he focused on developing his region, adopting aspects of Western practices that suited Nigeria while preserving cultural practices and values integral to the country’s identity. His enthusiasm for federalism suggests he believed that power was best shared across regions and clans, rather than concentrated in the hands of an elite, a situation that could lead to jealousy and competition.
The late Alhaji Umar Saro, the first Sardauna of Ilorin, was equally a man of immense achievements. He restored Ilorin’s prestige as the capital of Kwara State through his monumental contributions to the Forty Million Naira (N40,000,000:00) Kwara State Industrial Development Fund. The Fund was a project of the then-military administration of Kwara State under the leadership of Offa-born Group Captain Salaudeen Adebayo Latinwo (1943).
The fundraising campaign was taken to each of the then twelve (12) Local Government Areas of the state to encourage healthy rivalry. Each LGA tried to outdo the other. When it was time for the old Ilorin Local Government to contribute, stakeholders were determined to ensure that Ilorin raised enough money to reflect its leadership position at the state level. The IDPU, under the leadership of its then National President, Alhaji L. A.K. Jimoh, tirelessly encouraged the people of the LGA to contribute generously to the Fund. The Chairman of the Local Government Area, Alhaji Saidu Olayinka, and the then Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Engr. Sulaiman Oba Saleeman (1948), worked with other stakeholders, particularly the Ilorin Descendants Progressive Union, to identify prominent Ilorin indigenous who could be invited to the event.
Following these patriotic efforts, stakeholders decided to invite Alhaji Saro as the Chief Launcher at the Ilorin edition of the Fund Raising. As a patriot, Alhaji Saro not only accepted the challenge but also impressed everyone with his generous donation of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N250,000:00) from his personal funds. He also announced various sums of money, including N200,000:00 on behalf of his friends, whom he personally invited to the event to support him. The total amount he announced, N450,000:00, at a time when the exchange rate was N35 to $1, was the highest donation made by a single individual in Nigeria during that era. The people of Ilorin Emirate were overjoyed that a son of the soil had proven the saying “asiri bi bo ti awon Ilorin lo je” true.
For those who may wonder why the road linking the General Hospital Roundabout to the Geri Alimi Roundabout in Ilorin is named Umaru Saro Road, the above narrative provides the answer.
Today, the new Sardauna of Ilorin, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazak, has demonstrated remarkable leadership in fighting for the emancipation and liberation of Kwarans from a hegemonic dynasty. His administration has delivered significant dividends of democracy, including:
– Infrastructure development: construction and reconstruction of motorable roads.
– Efficient governance: prompt payment of wages and salaries, as well as interlocking.
– Balanced power sharing: protection and preservation of traditional heritage.
– Improved social welfare: various initiatives to enhance the well-being of citizens.
The conferment of the Sardauna title on Governor AbdulRazak is a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional leadership and contributions. This traditional office will further empower him to amplify his efforts and continue his uncompromising commitment to the people.
At the age of 31, Governor AbdulRazak founded Nigeria’s first indigenous oil and gas trading companies, NOPA Oil Services and First Fuels. The latter was the first indigenous company to export crude oil and petroleum products to the United States, Europe, and Asia.
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is a cosmopolitan and international figure who achieved greatness purely through hard work, resilience, and quiet impact. As a governor, he has become a beacon of hope for the hopeless, recognizing the potential of youth in building a new Kwara State of harmony that works for all, without nepotism.
He is the seventh Chairman of the Governors’ Forum and is well known for his passion for giving opportunities to young people, which likely explains the prevalence of individuals in their 40s or younger in his cabinet. It is said that AbdulRahman has the youngest and most gender-friendly cabinet in the country.
Governor AbdulRahman, whose political profile continues to rise due to his populism and pragmatism, is happily married to Prof. Dr. Mrs. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, with children. He is grateful to serve as the 20th Governor of the great State of Kwara, one of Nigeria’s first-generation states. His leadership has been a beacon of hope, inspiring a new generation of leaders to emulate his example.
We commend the Emir of Ilorin Emirate for recognizing Governor AbdulRazak’s worthiness of this great title. May God bless the Ilorin Emirate, Kwara State, and Nigeria. May this title serve as a catalyst for greater achievements and a continued legacy of excellence.
It’s a moment,
Amir Rational is my appellation
amirrational@gmail.com