University of Ilorin renaming sparks opposition from Kwara South Forum, citing ethnic diversity and statewide ownership of the institution

The Kwara South Consultative Forum has opposed the call by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, to rename the University of Ilorin after Sheikh Alimi, founder of the Alimi dynasty.

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The Forum described the proposal as “highly provocative” and insensitive to the ethnic diversity and historical plurality of Kwara State.

The Emir made the suggestion during the university’s 50th anniversary celebrations, prompting widespread public debate.

In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Adebayo Daramola, the Forum stressed that the university belongs to the entire state, not any single ethnic group or community.

“The entire state of Kwara is the catchment area of the University of Ilorin. We are just not homogeneous enough in Kwara State for that idea to ever be muted,” the statement read.

The group warned against actions capable of reopening ethnic fault lines, noting that the location of the university in **Ilorin** does not confer exclusive ownership.

It added that the historical significance of Sheikh Alimi does not resonate with many ethnic groups in the state, particularly those of Ekiti, Ibolo and Igbomina origin in Kwara South, as well as communities in Kwara North.

The Forum suggested that proponents consider establishing a private university named after Sheikh Alimi, citing examples of other private institutions in Kwara South, including Landmark University, Thomas Adewumi University, Summit University, and Lens University.

The Forum also criticised the recent renaming of the Kwara State Government House as Ahmadu Bello House, saying it lacked adequate consultation with other ethnic groups, particularly in Kwara South.

It proposed that, if the Government House must be named after an individual, it should honour the pioneer Military Governor of Kwara State, Brigadier General David Bamigboye.

The Forum appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to intervene and reverse what it described as a “glaring injustice,” stressing that equity and fairness should guide governance in the state.

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The University of Ilorin, established in 1975 as a federal institution, draws students and staff from across Nigeria and beyond, making it one of the most ethnically diverse universities in the country.