The Ilorin Emirate maintains a distinct and historic system for conferring traditional titles through turbaning ceremonies. A notable example is the recent turbaning of the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, Executive Governor of Kwara State, which took place on Wednesday, 16th September 2026.

The historic event was held in front of Sultan Saad Hall, within the Emir's Palace. It attracted dignitaries from across the country, including the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, and his wife; governors; the CEO of BUA Group; and many others. A unique and deeply symbolic aspect of the Ilorin turbaning ceremony is its protocol.

Before the turbaning begins, the celebrant is seated at the Shehu Abdulsalam Ancient Mosque, situated in the forecourt of the Emir's Palace. This historic mosque was originally built during the reign of the first Emir, Sheikh Abdulsalam bn Alimi bn Janta, and was later refurbished during the reign of the eighth Emir of Ilorin Emirate, Sheikh Abdulkadir Dan Bawa, in 1933-34. The mosque serves as the designated waiting place for all prospective titleholders in the Emirate. Once the Emir is ready to proceed, the Sarkin Salama acting on the Emir's direct instruction or on that of an assigned representative escorts the celebrant to the venue. The Sarkin Salama then formally presents the celebrant to the Emir and the assembled audience, after which the turbaning officially commences.

The officer in charge of the turbaning ceremony is the Badiko. At this point, the Badiko brings out a brass calabash containing the full traditional attire meant for the new chief: the Rawani (turban cloth), cap, Agbada (flowing gown), shoes, and Alkimba (a ceremonial sash or undergarment). He presents these items to the Emir for royal blessings and also displays them to the assembled audience. After the Emir's blessings, the Badiko may either perform the turbaning himself or delegate a representative to assist in placing the turban on the new chief.

Following the turbaning, the ceremony proceeds to its final formalities. The coordinating officer for this particular historic turbaning was Dr Abdulraheem Muritala, Personal Assistant to the Emir of Ilorin. On behalf of the Fadawa (the palace staff) led by the Sarkin Salama, he requested the new chief and his well-wishers to present gifts as a token of their appreciation. He then delivered an official charge.

In his remarks during the turbaning rites, Dr Abdulraheem Muritala stated that the new Sardauna earned this prestigious title due to his contributions to the development of the Ilorin Emirate and beyond. He also emphasized that the late Mutawallin of Ilorin, Alhaji AGF AbdulRazaq, SAN who was the first lawyer in the whole of Northern Nigeria before and shortly after independence was the first-ever Mutawallin of Ilorin Emirate. He was the first honorary appointee of the 9th Emir of Ilorin, Shehu Sulqornain bn Muhammad Laufe Dan Bawa, CFR, in 1962, three years after the 9th Emir's installation. Dr Muritala further noted that the late Mutawallin fought against the merger of Ilorin Province with the South-West and won the battle. This, he said, is what has preserved the identity and belonging of the people of Ilorin today as Northerners in North-Central Nigeria. These contributions were what earned him the title of Mutawallin of Ilorin at the time.

The late Mutawallin was succeeded by Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq, a great lawyer, who was appointed Mutawallin of Ilorin on 22nd July 2021 and formally turbaned on 13th March 2022. Dr Muritala also emphasized that the AbdulRazaq family was among the few to enjoy the rare privilege of a son succeeding his father in the honorary titles category, as well as two siblings holding prestigious titles at the same time, because of their respective contributions to the development of the Ilorin Emirate. He also reminded the distinguished guests that the wife of the first Mutawallin and mother of the two titleholders was a great woman in the Ilorin Emirate because of her contributions to the humanities. He recounted that during three historic events held in 1984, during the reign of the 9th Emir of Ilorin when the present Emir was about to be turbaned as Ciroma of Ilorin Emirate, his wedding ceremony, and his Walimatul Qur'an she served as chairperson of the committees for all three events and chaired them successfully. This, he said, demonstrates the longstanding relationship between the family and the Alimi Dynasty.

The coordinator also informed the audience that Governor AbdulRahman was not the first titleholder to be turbaned outside Friday, which is usually the turbaning day. He noted that the present Balogun Gambari, Alhaji Aliyu Adebayo, who also doubles as Balogun agba of Ilorin Emirate, and the late Balogun Alanamu, Alhaji Abubakar Akanbi Jos, were turbaned on Sunday, 25th September 2005.

Subsequently, the Emir conferred his blessings upon the new chief. However, he asked the Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani, to perform this on his behalf. After the blessings, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, gave his remarks on the historic event.closing prayer.The chief then performed the traditional greeting to the Emir and the assembled council. With the proceedings concluded, he proceeded to his home to celebrate with family and guests.