By Wahab Oba
Last week, I was rounding off the last paragraph of what was supposed to be my assessment of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s six years in office, suddenly and shockingly, someone called to break the news of the demise of Barr. Saka Yusau, SAN, a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Kwara State.
I met Barr. Yusau far back in 2010, when I was the chairman of the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists. Despite it being our first meeting, anyone present would have thought we were longtime friends. He treated us with utmost respect, making us feel honored and accomplished, even though our requests were not immediately met. His exemplary character and kindheartedness have been echoed by many who knew him. Sadly, he is gone—a reminder of the fleeting nature of life.
As we commit Barr. Yusau’s corpse to Mother Earth, I came across a rebuttal from the Emir of Ilorin’s palace. The Emir’s personal assistant, Dr. Muritala Abdulraheem debunked a story in the ThisDay Newspapers, insinuating a rift between the Emir and the governor.
While I respect the Emir’s spokesperson’s assertion, I must express my concerns with the governor and his administration on several fronts, particularly regarding the treatment of our state’s traditional institution.
Governor Alade’s tenure has been a glaring example of non-performance, marked by failed promises, financial mismanagement, and a blatant disregard for the welfare of the people. His administration has alienated key stakeholders, neglected critical infrastructure, and engaged in politically motivated actions that have deepened divisions within the state. From inflated contracts to unfulfilled civil servant entitlements, his leadership has been characterized by opacity and misplaced priorities. Instead of fostering unity and progress, his actions have undermined traditional institutions, disrespected community values, and eroded public trust. This legacy of underachievement highlights a leadership that prioritizes vendettas over development and personal interests over collective progress.
As such, even if the governor says he has no quarrels with the Emir, can he convincingly deny his consistent harassment and disrespect of the traditional institutions in the state?
If Alade denies refusing to assist the Emir in securing a visa for medical checkup in Germany, can he deny subjecting Royal Fathers in the state to ridicule as examples abound?
“Can the Emirate ever forget the sudden and provocative cancellation of the 2020 Durbar without proper consultations with the palace? What about the summoning of two traditional rulers who were sent to represent their larger body at the service of songs for the late Mrs. Florence Saraki? These traditional rulers were abruptly called to a so-called meeting at Government House late at night, instructed to cancel their trip, and ordered to return home immediately. Upon their arrival at Government House, one must wonder—what was the purpose of that meeting, and what was actually discussed?”
Can Alade also refute his conflicts with other traditional title holders in Ilorin who are not in the same political space with him? His grouse against the Saraki dynasty is well known, but that should be limited to the political turf in normal circumstances. Because Saraki is a traditional title holder, indeed the traditional Prime Minister of Ilorin, he should not be treated the way this governor has been doing in matters pertaining to the performance of his traditional roles. If he does not know, hindering Saraki from performing a role envisioned and commissioned by the Emir is an affront on the Emir and the Royal stool. If both the Emir and Saraki have been as beligrent as the governor, we can only assume the dimensions of problems that would have been created in the last five Durbars. How soon has he forgotten the crisis Ilorin used to witness every Sallah in the early 2000s. As a journalist, I knew Lagos used to place my colleagues here in Ilorin on standby each Sallah expecting a story of crisis.
Can he also refute the political motivation behind the demolition of Ile Arugbo or the renaming of streets and institutions tied to the legacy of Dr. Olusola Saraki?
Apart from the problem with the Saraki dynasty, we also have the one with Moshood Mustapha, another title holder. Can the governor deny conflict with MM, a man with whom he shares the same political affiliation? Did he have any conflict with MM before the Kwara Hotel debacle? Can he refute the political motivation behind the demolition of the multi-billion niara business complex built by MM? No matter the argument, it is well known that the demolition was due to the position and steps taken by MM over the renovation of Kwara Hotel.
What of the demolition of billboards mounted by the Turakin Ngeri of Ilorin, Senator Saliu Mustapha, soon after the 2024 IEDPU meeting simply because that one announced plans to build a befitting structure for the Union at the forecourt of the Emir’s palace? Ostensibly, the demolition of his billboards is a signal to commence battle against him for his supposed interest in the 2027 gubernatorial ticket.
Instances like the renovation of Kwara Hotel and the Ilorin Visual Arts Centre highlight alarming financial discrepancies. The hotel renovation, initially awarded for N3 billion, was later handed to another contractor for N17.8 billion with no significant improvements. Similarly, the Visual Arts Centre’s cost inexplicably jumped from N755 million to nearly N2 billion after being declared completed.
Other projects, such as the International Conference Centre and renovations of educational institutions like Government High School, Adeta, reveal troubling patterns of cost inflation and substandard execution. The administration’s lack of transparency is further evidenced by the unexplained N27.9 billion bond, with N17.9 billion vaguely claimed to be “in a bank.”
The governor’s failure to fulfill promotions and financial entitlements for civil servants underscores his lack of empathy for workers.
Governor Alade’s alienation of key figures from the O To Ge movement and his conflicts with the majority of National Assembly members from the state have further isolated his administration. His threats to end their political careers reveal a disturbing pattern of intolerance and authoritarianism. The demolition of lockup shops without adequate compensation and the erection of walls against business premises in the Emirate underscore a lack of empathy for ordinary citizens, portraying the governor as insensitive and seemingly heartless.
As the 2027 elections approach, opposition parties and stakeholders must prioritize unity over personal ambitions to prevent a third term for Ogbeni Alade through the back door. The failures of this administration underscore the urgency for a government that values transparency, respects traditions, and prioritizes the welfare of its citizens.
Kwara deserves better—a future built on accountability, collective progress, and equitable development. May 2027 bring renewed hope and prosperity to all Kwarans. Happy New Year!
May the soul of Barr. Saka Yusau rest in peace