The Emir’s palace and the “humps of refuse” in its environs
In this part of the world, one of the most respected institutions is the traditional institute. Apart from the reverence attached to the abode and her habitant, it also serves as home of major attraction owing to the structures which displays morals, ornate, decoration and colour that symbolise tradition, unity and even military might. Mayhaps, any visitor to a typical African town without paying homage to royalty never visited.
A slight attack on the institute might outrighly spark outrageous reaction, even inspite of the world running out of monarchy rule to democratic setting, the reverence remain strong and untamed.
Apart from the architectural design of the palace, which is mostly decorated with morals, ornaments and colours, meant to reflect royalty differentiating it with other “ordinary” buildings, it’s expected to be most neatly kept, that even a “dropped pin” will be easily observed from afar.
However, the reverse is the case in the ancient palace of Ilorin, speak bad of the emir and face the wrath of the Ilorin people, but drop dirt at it’s heart, and leave unchallenged. The environment has over the years been turned to a dump site.
The palace, which also serves as abode for the Chairman of the traditional rulers in kwara state is located in Ilorin South local government of the state. It’s popular landmark is the Oja-Oba (loosely translated as “palace market”), and the most celebrated and gigantically constructed central mosque of Ilorin which is held in high esteem by the people. While the mosque add more beautifications and values to the palace, the negative effect of the market seriously disreputed the serene environment of the palace. It has been a major contributor to the refuse dump in the surroundings of the palace.
With no efforts to reduce the hemp of waste the litters the heart of “Ilorites” beloved, important visitors to the state who ordinary will visit the palace must be ready to be received not only royalty, but other foreign substance that worsen in appearance.
About a week ago, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria visited Kwara as part of his re-election campaign tour throughout the country, the refuse were left unattended to, despite the importance that comes with the visit of the number one citizen of the country, this does not speak well of the state nor the palace.
In recent times, the refuse has dominated a lane out of the two motorable lanes on the major street at the emir’s palace, this has adverse effects on the movement of vehicles and people and turned a smooth “highway” to a known traffic place.
Digressing from the vehicular movement, alot of health diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, ecetera can also be contracted from the refuse if not properly taken care of. While it also slightly hindered the market transactions.
In curbing this issues, the state government should do provide Refuse Drums where the markets waste can be disposed to properly.
In addition, warnings should be served to defaulters just like the one placed at Taiwo junction towards General Hospital and severe punishment should also be attached to offenders who continues to disobey the orders.
The palace can also take the initiative has it does not need to wait for the government before it does the right thing and this would serve as source of inspiration to other traditional institutions and even “ginger” the government to take up the task.
God bless the Emirate,
God bless the ancient city of Ilorin,
God bless the State of Harmony.
Mus’ab Sulaimon writes from Ilorin