Aliyu Otta-Uthman, the president of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), has appealed for the renaming of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) after Sheikh Alimi, the founding father of Ilorin Dynasty.
He said renaming the university after Alimi would go a long way in immortalising his legacies as done for his contemporaries in Sokoto and Adamawa states.
“An equally sublime request, which is long overdue, is the renaming of University of Ilorin after Sheikh Alimi to be called Sheikh Alimi University, Ilorin in honour of Sheikh Alimi ibn Solihu ibn Janta, the founder of the Alimi Dynasty just like was done for his contemporaries like Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, named after Sheikh Usmanu Danfodiyo, the founder of Sokoto caliphate and Modibo Adama University Yola, named after Adama ibn Ardo Hassana, the founder of Adamawa Emirate,” he said.
“In the light of these precedencies, we fervently call on the state government to take our request for the renaming of the University of Ilorin as ‘Sheikh Alimi University, Ilorin’ in honour of the founder of the southernmost Emirate in Nigeria to the National Assembly through the Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District and his colleagues in the House of Representatives. We know our representatives are up to the task and its our hope that the state government would do the needful to actualise this noble course.”
Otta-Uthman argued while the task of renaming the university might appear herculean, it is surmountable considering the capacity of federal lawmakers from Kwara state who have the technical know-how to achieve the noble goal.
WikkiTimes reports that Sheikh Alimi Ibn Salihu Ibn Janta, an erudite Islamic scholar, is regarded as the founder of the Ilorin Dynasty in the early 1800s after he migrated from Gwandu in search of a better location to settle down and continue propagating Islam.
Sheikh Alimi, a contemporary and friend to the founder of the Sokoto Caliphate, Sheikh Uthman Danfodio, is regarded as the architect of modern-day Ilorin with its rich civilisation and culture.
Here are six key facts you need to know about Sheikh Alimi:
Founding Father’s Reverence: Sheikh Alimi, esteemed as the inaugural Emir of Ilorin, holds the honoured title of the founding father of the Ilorin Emirate. His historic migration from Gwandu to Ilorin marked the initiation of a momentous era, transforming his initial abode into a sacred haven drawing scholars, students and visitors.
Islamic Mission and Scholarly Zeal: Sheikh Alimi’s journey to Ilorin was propelled by a fervent mission to propagate Islam and disseminate knowledge. Revered as a beacon of peace and harmony, he traversed numerous towns and villages before deeming Ilorin a fitting locale for his mission.
Unifier and Mentor: Portrayed as a unifying influence, Sheikh Alimi orchestrated the organisation and education of Ilorin’s populace, safeguarding figures like Afonja from persecution. His enduring legacy is embodied in the Sheik Alimi School and the intellectual virtues passed down to his progeny, pivotal in the unification and advancement of Ilorin to its present-day status.
Dynastic Leadership: The descendants of Sheikh Alimi continue to govern Ilorin, with Emirs such as Abdulsalam, Shitta, Zubairu, Bawa, Abdulkadir, Ayelabowo, Zulu Gambari, Sheik Aliyu, and the present emir. This lineage is characterized by substantial contributions to education, development, and the promotion of peace.
Cultural and Developmental Contributions: Beyond spiritual leadership, Sheikh Alimi’s legacy transcends into substantial contributions to Ilorin’s cultural and developmental landscape. Initiatives range from the construction of the Ilorin Central Mosque to the establishment of the University of Ilorin and the execution of diverse educational and infrastructural projects.
Sheikh title: During his reign, Sheikh Alimi was among the only three leaders in northern Nigeria who were accorded and addressed with the ‘Sheikh’ title. The other two were Sheikh Othman Danfodio and Sheikh of Borno. The title is translated in Hausa to mean “Shehu.”
In the enduring impact of Sheikh Alimi on Ilorin, one witnesses the preservation of cultural heritage, the revered mosque in Kuwo, and the ongoing accomplishments of his descendants in diverse fields. The narrative of Sheikh Alimi stands as a testament to his lasting influence on the history, culture, and development of the Ilorin community.
