Breaking : Waka Artistes Back Saliu Mustapha’s 2027 Governorship Ambition at Maiden 2026 Ilorin Waka
The maiden edition of Ilorin Waka 2026 took centre stage on Friday, February 20, 2026, as leading Waka artistes in the Ilorin Emirate publicly declared support for the governorship ambition of the Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Saliu Mustapha.
Just Event Online TV reports, The colourful cultural event, held in Waka Assembly Omoda area, Ilorin, brought together prominent Waka music practitioners and cultural enthusiasts from across the emirate. Designed as a platform to promote one of Ilorin’s cherished cultural heritages, the competition featured traditional Waka artistes showcasing their talents in a healthy and spirited contest.
During their performances, several artistes openly endorsed Senator Mustapha’s anticipated 2027 governorship bid, describing him as a man of integrity and abundant grace who possesses the capacity to take governance to the grassroots and deepen development across Kwara State.
The Chairperson of Waka, Alhaja Rukayat Batimooluwasi, while speaking at the event, commended the initiative as timely and unprecedented in the history of Waka music in Ilorin.
“What we are doing today has never happened before. We are competing with one another in a healthy and talented way, and this will further strengthen our cultural heritage,” she said.
The annual programme is aimed at bringing together practitioners in the Waka genre to showcase their artistry, foster mentorship and encourage young and aspiring artistes to embrace the cultural tradition. Waka music remains a distinctive cultural expression deeply rooted in the traditions of the Ilorin Emirate.
At the end of the competition, Alhaja Ayobami Agbarigidoma Oniwaka emerged winner with 90 points, while Alhaja Sinboro Oniwaka and Alhaja Oloka, who scored 50 points each, were announced as runners-up.
In his remarks, the Executive Assistant to Senator Mustapha, Barr. Abdulkareem Alabi, congratulated the winners and all participants for their unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting Waka music. He urged them to continue making Ilorin proud and to nurture younger generations within the genre.
Alabi also appreciated the artistes for their endorsement and support, assuring that the Ilorin Waka initiative would henceforth be held annually to sustain and further promote the rich Waka tradition in the emirate.
