Wahab Oba
Ilorin, a city of knowledge, humility, integrity, and piety, has always stood as a beacon of justice, equity, and fairness. From the legacy of scholars like Sheikh Tajudeen Al-Adaby, Sheikh Kamaldeen Al-Adaby, Sheikh Abubakar Omo Ikokoro, and the globally acclaimed Sheikh Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory to men of principle like Dr Olusola Saraki, AGF Abdulrazaq, SAN, Mahmud Akanbi Oniyangi, Dr. Amuda Aluko, Rtd. Gen. Abdullah Adangba, LAK Jimoh and General Tunde Idiagbon, Ilorin’s history shines brightly. These icons upheld discipline, honour, and justice, ensuring our city remained a land of pride.
Today, this cherished heritage is under siege. The Emirate is currently represented by Ogbeni Alade, whose actions undermine the values upheld by our forebears and illustrious predecessors. Like a bird ignoring the wisdom of elders, he steers our community toward peril with reckless abandon. Our once-vibrant umbrella union, the IEDPU, has lost its authentic voice exemplified by the likes of the late MB Baker, Alh. Usman Mustapha, Alh. Aliyu Alarape Salman, SAN, and Alh. Sheu Abdulgafar, among others. The union remained silent during the demolition of Ile Arugbo, the controversy surrounding the renovation of Kwara Hotel, and Alade’s ruthless demolition of Crystal Place.
Among Ogbeni Alade’s most egregious actions is his inhuman policy of demolitions. Thriving businesses that serve as lifelines for families and communities have been torn down without compassion or consideration for the current economic hardships plaguing the country and without alternatives. Walls and fences have been erected inappropriately, disregarding security and emergency needs, in places where they serve no purpose other than to stifle economic activity. This thoughtless pursuit of self-serving projects is akin to killing the hen that lays the golden eggs. When the hand of the farmer destroys the yam, hunger will dwell in his house. May hunger not dwell in our community.
A governor who governs without recourse to humanity or the realities of the people’s struggles is like a man building a castle on quicksand—can it stand? As businesses crumble under these draconian policies, the livelihoods of countless Kwarans are being destroyed.
But a leader who thrives while his people starve is like a shepherd who abandons his flock to the wolves. Our people have been driven to the brink of criminality.
Ogbeni Alade’s governance is marked by gross mismanagement and a lack of transparency and accountability. Major projects like the Kwara Hotel renovation, Tanke flyover, A-Division flyover, the International Conference Centre, Visual Art Centre, and the Garment Factory remain shrouded in secrecy, with no one able to ascertain their costs. Meanwhile, critical projects like “Light Up Kwara,” which would have improved security and beautified the environment, have been abandoned.
Even our revered traditional institutions have not been spared. From canceling the Emirate Durbar without consulting the Emir to breaching protocol at the Eid prayer ground by disrespecting the Wazirin Ngeri, Ogbeni Alade has shown contempt for our heritage. His persecution of traditional rulers, including allegedly suspending a monarch from Kwara North and summoning others in the dead of night under dubious pretenses, demonstrates a disregard for our customs and values. When a child forgets the wisdom of his father, he invites disgrace to his lineage.
The governor’s interference in traditional institutions has now reached an alarming level. In Isin Kingdom, comprising seventeen towns and villages, traditional rulers have been metaphorically ‘handcuffed’ to overturn their rightful decision to confer a traditional title on the Turakin Ngeri of the Ilorin Emirate. What could be more audacious than the governor dictating to a revered traditional council on matters of recognition? This is nothing short of political vendetta fueled by paranoia.
It began with the IEDPU, and now Ogbeni Alade is attempting to strong-arm the IEYDA, trying to dictate leadership and create factions within the Union. Why? Because the IEYDA —a creation of the Emir – remains apolitical and connects with all significant figures in the community. Alade, however, does not want such independence. To him, it doesn’t matter whose creation the IEYDU is. After all, this is the same governor who blatantly refuses to recognize the Iyaloja endorsed by the Maimartaba.
This is who Alade is—a man sowing seeds of discord where none existed. His actions are not just an affront to our traditional institutions but a direct attack on the Emir and the unity of our people. Only God knows how we got here.
Ogbeni Alade listens to no one. His reign of impunity and excess must end, for it threatens not just the present but the future of Kwara State. When the roof starts to leak, the wise do not wait for the rain to fall. It is time for all Kwarans who value justice, unity, and progress to rise and prevent Ogbeni Alade from any further electoral success. This is not just a political fight; it is a fight for our heritage, our dignity, and our future. If the fire is not quenched early, it will consume the forest. Kwara must not be consumed by Ogbeni Alade’s unprecedented demeanor.
For me, I stand with Jagunmo. I stand with the Emir. I stand with every son and daughter of Ilorin Emirate, who believes in justice, equity, and the preservation of our legacy. I stand with kwarans. Together, we can reclaim the soul of our state and ensure that Ilorin remains a city of honour, pride, and justice. The time to act is now. 2027 beacons!
