- Emir of Ilorin responds to viral video purportedly showing protesters at his palace, clarifying it was from 2019 events
- Residents express skepticism; investigation reveals no protest occurred; Emir urges public to disregard video, emphasizing peace and engagement efforts
The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has responded to a viral video purportedly showing protesters at his palace demonstrating against economic hardship in the country.
In the 26-second video, a sizable crowd is seen in front of the Emir’s palace chanting “Ebi npalu” (there’s hunger in the community).
The video, widely circulated on various social media platforms, including WhatsApp groups, sparked numerous reactions from citizens and netizens. Some residents expressed scepticism, especially considering recent protests in neighbouring Niger State and other parts of the country.
A resident of Oja Oba, near the Emir’s palace, Alhaji Oba Daudu, expressed concern over the video, stating, “It was a very disturbing and confusing development. I rushed home from GRA when I saw it on social media.” However, upon investigation, he found no such gathering at the palace.
Similarly, a palace staff member named Abdul denied any knowledge of a protest, stating, “There was no such protest at the front of the palace on Saturday.”
A female police officer at the ‘C’ Division, Oja-Oba, mentioned that none of her colleagues reported such an incident, adding, “Although I was not at work on Saturday…”
Addressing the viral video, the Emir of Ilorin and chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, clarified that the footage was from events preceding the 2019 general elections and urged the public to disregard it.
Through his spokesman, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, the Emir emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and urged people to remain calm and prayerful.
The statement highlighted the Emir’s ongoing efforts, along with his colleagues in the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, to engage with the government at all levels to improve the welfare and security of the people.
The Emir commended the state government’s responsiveness to issues affecting the masses and urged the public to ignore the video to prevent misrepresentation of the situation.