Former Senate President Bukola Saraki and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq have engaged in a war of words following Saraki’s decision to skip the Ilorin Durbar, a traditional festival held in the ancient city of Ilorin.
Ensurednews confirmed that the former Kwara Governor did not
participate in the Ilorin Durbar event. The Durbar is a festival that
commemorates the cultural heritage of the Ilorin Emirate with vibrant parades,
traditional dances, and horse-riding displays.
Saraki, who holds the traditional title of Waziri Ngeri of
Ilorin, cited reasons of maintaining peace and respect for the throne of Sheikh
Alimi for his absence from the event.
In a statement issued by his Press Officer on Local
Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Saraki explained, "I took the decision
not to attend the event after the intervention of prominent Islamic scholars
and leaders of the community who appealed to me not to cause a breach of
peace."
He further asserted that the state government under
Governor AbdulRazaq did not want him present at the Durbar due to his
popularity among the people.
Saraki's statement criticized the governor for allegedly
pressuring the Ilorin Emirates Council to prevent his attendance, claiming it
was out of fear that he would overshadow the event.
In response, the Kwara State Government, through its Chief
Press Secretary Rafiu Ajakaye, rebuffed Saraki’s claims, labeling them as
baseless and mischievous.
Ajakaye emphasized that Governor AbdulRazaq has
consistently promoted an inclusive approach to governance, accommodating all
citizens irrespective of political differences.
He pointed out that Saraki had not attended the Ilorin
Durbar since 2019, making his recent accusations unfounded.
"Governor AbdulRazaq has shown humility and a large
heart to accommodate everyone," Ajakaye stated, highlighting instances
where the governor publicly interacted with Saraki and other opposition figures
during religious celebrations in Ilorin.
The statement from the government also praised AbdulRazaq’s
leadership, citing electoral victories in 2019 and 2023 as proof of popular
support.
It concluded by urging Saraki to desist from dragging the
governor into what it described as his "self-inflicted shame."
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