The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Traditional Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Zulu Gambari, has reaffirmed the historical significance of Alfa Hajji Iṣẹyin Compound Ajikobi, saying its residents are indeed the founders of Ilorin and they should exercise their freedom without fear or hindrance.
Recall that the descendants of Alfa Hajji Iṣẹyin Compound Balogun Ajikobi, Ilorin had earlier written a letter of familiarization to the emir, requesting for recognition and the emir honored their request.
Khalifa Muhammad Alfa Hajji and Umar led the people to the Emir’s palace on the 18th of July 2024, where they introduced themselves as the dynasty of Sheikh Muhammad Shirun who followed Alfa Alimi to Ilorin from Iseyin, Oyo State and settled at Balogun Ajikobi Ilorin since then.
Amongst their requests was that they wanted the relationship that existed between Alfa Alimi and their father to continue even in their own generation.
They also sought proper recognition of their compound from the emir.
Responding, the Emir said “you indigenes of Alfa Hajji Compound Balogun Ajikobi in Ilorin, continue to move freely because you are the actual foundation of Ilorin”
The Emir narrated a story about the relationship between Alfa Alimi and Sheikh Muhammad Shirun who birthed Alfa Hajji Compound in Ilorin. The Emir said in the reign of the past Aseyin, he traveled to Iseyin town where he discussed extensively with the Ọba, he noted that there was indeed cordial relationship between Alfa Alimi and Alfa Hajji and he is ready to sustain it with them because they are the foundation of Ilorin.
He urged them never to neglect their heritage because their father was an Islamic scholar who lived his life promoting Islam.
The people of Alfa Hajji compound appreciated the Emir for the warmth reception praying to God to grant him long life on the throne of his fathers.
