The Sarkin Gobir and Madawaki of Ilorin Emirate, Yakubu Gobir, has appealed to the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the Senator representing Kwara Central, Saliu Mustapha, to rise above their political differences and preserve the bonds of brotherhood and shared heritage that unite the people of Ilorin.

Gobir, in a statement made available to Arewa PUNCH in Ilorin on Sunday, also cautioned supporters and loyalists of the two political leaders against personal attacks, provocative comments and campaigns of calumny.

He warned that political disagreements should not be allowed to create divisions capable of outliving the contests that produced them.

The traditional titleholder said his appeal was informed by his longstanding personal relationships with AbdulRazaq, who holds the title of Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate, and Mustapha, the Turaki of Ilorin.

“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,” Gobir said.

“I have enjoyed a good personal relationship with both of them, and I regard both as brothers and friends.”

According to him, his personal knowledge of the two leaders show him that there was more that united them than divided them, despite their current political differences.

“Having known both of them personally for many years, I know that there is much more that unites them than divides them,” Gobir said.

“Whatever political differences may exist today should not be allowed to erase years of friendship, mutual respect and shared history.”

The Kwara elder stressed that AbdulRazaq and Mustapha remained sons of Ilorin before their political affiliations and interests, urging them not to allow political competition to weaken their relationship or create divisions within the emirate.

“Before politics, there is brotherhood. Before political parties, there is Ilorin. That bond must remain stronger than whatever political differences may exist between us.

“Politics is a contest. We may disagree today and agree tomorrow, but bitterness should never be allowed to take the place of brotherhood,” he added.

He also appealed directly to supporters of both camps to exercise restraint, saying loyalty to political leaders should not translate into hostility towards those with opposing views.

“Loyalty does not mean hatred. You can defend your leader without insulting another man’s leader,” Gobir cautioned the camps, insisting, “You can disagree without destroying relationships.”

The traditional titleholder further warned that inflammatory rhetoric and personal attacks could leave lasting wounds in the community long after political contests had ended.

“We must be careful with the words we use. A political statement made today may create a wound that takes years to heal,” he said. “We should not sacrifice the peace and unity of Ilorin for temporary political battles.”

Gobir noted that the people of Ilorin were bound by blood, marriage, history, culture and shared ancestry, saying political disagreements should not be allowed to disrupt those relationships.

He added that the responsibilities of AbdulRazaq and Mustapha extended beyond politics, particularly because of their positions as prominent traditional titleholders in the Ilorin Emirate.

“Our traditional titles are not merely for decoration. They come with responsibility,” Gobir said.

“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.”

According to him, political offices, parties and alliances were temporary, while the cultural and traditional heritage of Ilorin would outlive successive governments and elections.

“Governments will change. Political alliances will change. Elections will come and go. But Ilorin will remain,” he reminded the warring duo.

“The traditional institutions and heritage we inherited from our forefathers must therefore remain above political disagreements.”

Thus, Gobir urged AbdulRazaq and Mustapha to keep open channels of dialogue and mutual respect, saying their conduct would influence the behaviour of their supporters.

“Let the two leaders show the way. Where there is disagreement, let there be dialogue. Where there is suspicion, let there be understanding,” he said.

The elder maintained, “Their supporters will follow their example.”

He urged political actors to focus their energy on issues affecting the welfare, development and security of the people rather than engaging in endless personal battles.

“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,” Gobir said.

He, therefore, called for restraint, reconciliation and mutual respect among political and traditional stakeholders, insisting that political contests should not define relationships that generations yet unborn would inherit.

“Let us disagree politically without becoming enemies. Let us compete without destroying one another,” he said.

“And above all, let us preserve the peace, unity and dignity of Ilorin for our children and generations yet unborn.”