The demolition of a library built in honour of the late second Republic senate leader and strongman of kwara politics,Dr Olusola Saraki, allegedly by kwara state Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq has attracted outrage with many describing the Governor’s action as a rude shock to all well meaning and responsible citizens. Also reacting was the former senate President , Bukola and Minister of state for transportation, Gbemi, both son and daughter of the late political Icon. Bukola in a Facebook post, wrote,” Just got the news that the major official assignment carried out by the governor of my state, Kwara, today, is the demolition of an old public library named after my late dad, Dr. Olusola Saraki. May Almighty Allah continue to retain a place for Oloye in Aljannah Firdaus.”
On her own part, Gbemi wrote, Yet again, today we find that the Governor of Kwara State’s focus is not on building up Kwara, but on demolishing buildings which were owned or named after my late father, the Waziri of Ilorin.
“No matter how many structures are demolished, Baba Saraki’s legacy can never be destroyed, because it lives in the hearts and minds of the great people of Kwara. May Allah continue to guide and protect us all. Aamin.”
Governor Abdulrasaq has however denied being responsible for the demolition. In a statement issued on his behalf by his chief press secretary, Rafiu Ajakaiye, the Governor put the blame on the Ilorin West TIC Chairman .
Condemning the demolition, Engineer Dare Bankole of Aiyedun ward in Oke-Ero local government area said, “I’ve just received the news of demolition of a public library named after late Kwara political sage , Dr Olusola Saraki by the government of Kwara state . I’ve also tried to perused the statement credited to the govt in respect of this development , the govt statement which attempted to shift responsibility to Ilorin West illegal Chairman further confirmed that the demolition is unwarranted and a miscalculated Political vendetta against the Saraki family.
It’s quite unfortunate and depressing ,the pettiness that governance has been reduced to in our state . AA goverment rather than focusing on service delivery to people seems interested more in unnecessary competition with Saraki family, thereby resorting to wanton destruction of public facilities rather than their constructions . I believe he can compete with Saraki family only by bringing forward innovative ideas geared toward service to the people and not necessarily going after any structures which bears Saraki names .”
“The name Saraki has become our culture in Kwara and no amount of demolition can upturn that fact . May the soul of Late Waziri continue to rest in peace “
