Ilorin Ó Poetry of Praise

Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah’s Ilorin ó is a unique collection
of praise poems in English, Yoruba, and Hausa passionately celebrating
and illuminating the city of Ilorin’s wealth of culture, history,
Islamic heritage, and individual achievements. It is a work that is
solid in content, form, and techniques. There are many quotable lines, a
measure of poetic strength. I cannot forget the line about the child
hearing Koranic recitation from the mother’s womb. Also, the moral
authority combined with oratory in a wise one who can be heard by a dumb
ruler! In addition to the rich Islamic heritage and the success of
Ilorin individuals in the areas of justice and bravery, the poet praises
the city’s delicious trademarked foods such as “Warankasi,” “Tuworesi,”
and “Gbegiri.” Among the best executed poems are “Onikepe Aduke Opo”
and “Why the Sun Has Not Diminished in Light.” Na’Allah has handled the
praise poetry form dexterously, and that means “at times even a critical
appraisal of an item of praise.” The reader comes out with a feeling of
satisfaction for the poetic effulgence and knowing Ilorin better in its
multiple areas of distinction and especially for its multicultural,
Islamic, and tolerant character from an Ilorin-born and raised fine
poet. – Tanure Ojaide, poet and scholar, Frank Porter Graham, Professor of Africana Studies, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, USA.