The Yoruba Youth Socio-Cultural Association has strongly opposed the recent proposal to rename the University of Ilorin, describing it as an attempt to undermine Yoruba heritage in the ancient city.
Historical Dispute Over Ilorin's Identity
On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, the Yoruba Youth Socio-Cultural Association issued a powerful statement rejecting calls by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, to rename the federal institution after Sheikh Shehu Alimi. The group's leadership, including National President Olalekan Hammed and National Secretary Olawale Ajao, jointly signed the declaration.
The association characterized the renaming proposal as unacceptable and inconsistent with Ilorin's historical narrative. They expressed deep concern that such a move would represent another step in what they termed the 'Fulanisation' of Ilorin, potentially transforming the Yoruba territory into a Fulani-dominated city.
The Historical Context Behind the Controversy
YYSA referenced crucial historical events that continue to shape contemporary tensions. According to their account, Afonja, the sixth Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, originally hosted Islamic scholar Shehu Alimi in Ilorin during the early 19th century.
The narrative takes a dramatic turn with the events of 1824, when Abdulsalaam, Shehu Alimi's son, allegedly murdered Afonja and seized control of Ilorin. This power grab led to the establishment of the Ilorin Emirate, displacing Yoruba leadership from their ancestral territory.
The youth association questioned the logic of honoring someone whose descendant allegedly betrayed Yoruba hospitality through violent takeover. They described the proposal as extremely absurd, particularly coming from someone they believe has appropriated a city that rightfully belongs to the Yoruba people.
Broader Implications and Call to Action
Beyond historical grievances, YYSA expressed concern that the renaming effort represents a broader strategy to legitimize and strengthen the Emir's throne through symbolic changes to important institutions. They warned that such actions could deepen existing ethnic tensions and create unnecessary controversy around educational establishments.
The group urgently appealed to the Federal Government to disregard the Emir's request, emphasizing that educational institutions should remain neutral spaces free from historical and cultural disputes. They argued that dragging universities into such controversies undermines their primary mission of education and national unity.
YYSA's statement concluded with a firm position against what they perceive as ongoing attempts to emasculate Yoruba cultural identity in Ilorin through symbolic changes like renaming important federal institutions.
