The Ilorin Emirate

The existence of the geographical space called Ilorin predated the 19^th century. However, the arrival and settlement of Sheikh Salih Ibn Janta, popularly referred to as Shehu Alimi, brought about the establishment of the Ilorin Emirate, with unprecedented fame and popularity across the various regions, which form what is today called Nigeria and even beyond. Shehu Alimi was a great scholar, teacher and friend of the down-trodden and a spiritual counselor to all and sundry both within and outside Yoruba land of his time. Therefore, the recognition of his spiritual and intellectual supremacy made the populace, who trouped to him to accept his spiritual leadership and the subsequent political leadership of his descendants.