By Omowumi Omotosho
Kwara Rescue Team (KRS), a youth organization comprising professionals across the state, has staged a peaceful protest and press conference to decry the actions of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq regarding the disputed Ile-Arugbo land.
The group accused the governor of contempt for ignoring a court order that halted construction on the land, which historically belonged to the late Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki.
In a press briefing, the KRS criticized the ongoing construction work on the disputed site despite an interim court order from Justice A.O. Akinpelu of the Kwara State High Court.
It was revealed that the court had previously restrained the Kwara State Government from any development on the property until the case was fully resolved. The state government had also signed an undertaking to abide by this order.
The KRS spokespersons Comrade Adio Odunjo Olando and Comrade Bello Olanrewaju criticized the government’s actions, labelling them as a threat to the rule of law and potentially inciting public unrest. They recalled the events of January 2, 2020, when Governor Abdulrazaq allegedly ordered the demolition of Ile-Arugbo without prior notice or legal backing, leading to clashes between security forces and peaceful protesters, including elderly women.
The youth group expressed concern over the involvement of the Kwara State Police Command in providing security for the construction activities, warning that this could lead to a political crisis and unrest. They called on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene and ensure the police adhere to the rule of law.
“We, as young professionals, condemn in the strongest terms the ongoing construction work by the Kwara State Government on Ile-Arugbo. This action directly contravenes a subsisting court order and undermines the judicial process, inviting anarchy and a breakdown of law and order in our dear state. This must be resisted by all well-meaning Kwarans and Nigerians.” The statement noted
Furthermore, the KRS voiced apprehensions about the forthcoming local government elections, fearing they could be marred by violence and impunity, similar to past incidents during the APC primaries. The group urged the presidency to address what they described as the governor’s pattern of impunity and disregard for legal processes.
“Given the manner in which Governor Abdulrahman disobeys court orders, takes the law into his hands, and encourages impunity among his followersโcoupled with the massive violence during the recent APC primariesโwe fear that the upcoming local government elections may be marred by similar violence and impunity.
Many Kwarans who may want to vote against the governor’s handpicked candidates could be perceived as enemies and forcibly silenced.” The statement argued.
The Kwara Rescue Team, therefore, called for an immediate cessation of all construction activities at Ile-Arugbo and urged the Kwara State Government to comply with the court’s directive and the signed undertaking. They also appealed to the judiciary to enforce its orders and uphold the rule of law.
“We urge the judiciary to enforce its orders and uphold the sanctity of the court. We also implore the Kwara State Government to immediately cease all construction activities at Ile-Arugbo and respect the court’s directive and the undertaking signed”,the statement affirmed.
