Crystal Palace Mall and the Politics of Demolition in Kwara State
By Arafat A. Abdulrazaq
The impending demolition of the Crystal Palace Mall in Kwara State, Nigeria, has ignited a fierce political debate, positioning state governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq against former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
At the center of this controversy is the mall’s owner, Moshood Mustapha, a former member of the House of Representatives who alleges that the governor’s actions are politically motivated.
Meanwhile, Governor Abdulrazaq maintains that the demolition is a necessary step to reclaim land purportedly misappropriated for commercial purposes.
This heated dispute raises significant questions: Is the governor’s decision a legitimate effort towards the state’s development, or is it merely a political maneuver? The community appears torn, with residents forming factions that staunchly support either perspective.
Suleiman Abdulkareem, chairman of the Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KW-GIS), offers insight into the situation, explaining that the land in question was originally designated to Hon. Mustapha for a commercial car park.
“However, he proceeded to construct a shopping mall, which, according to our findings, severely contravenes the land use approval issued to him on March 22, 2013,” Abdulkareem stated.
In response, Honorable Moshood Mustapha, through his aide Dr. Opeyemi Aregbesola, expressed his outrage, describing the governor’s claims as unfounded.
“There is no need to sugar-coat it; this is pure political vendetta. While the government has the power to compulsorily acquire properties for overriding public interest, due processes must be adhered to.”
Mustapha further asserted, “Evicting a landowner without consideration for his constitutional rights reeks of political vindictiveness.” This demolition has escalated tensions, triggering a war of words between Saraki and Abdulrazaq.
In a statement issued on Monday, Saraki characterized the demolition as an act of pettiness. He expressed surprise that some might expect him to remain indifferent, given his history with Mustapha.
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“This action reflects the pettiness of the governor and his government, which is inherently anti-people and detrimental to the state’s economic development,” he claimed.
Saraki questioned the timing of the governor’s sudden revelation about the alleged violations surrounding the Crystal Mall, noting, “Why is Abdulrazaq only now identifying faults with the structure after 64 months in office?”
Responding to the criticism, Governor Abdulrazaq, via his Chief Press Secretary Rafiu Ajakaye, asserted that the actions taken were in line with the law and aimed at reclaiming land that was wrongfully converted for private use during Saraki’s tenure. The governor emphasized that his administration’s urban renewal initiative is essential for rectifying past mismanagement.
“It is the responsibility of a government to restore the capital city’s original plans to align with current realities,” Ajakaye added, positioning the initiative as overdue and necessary for the state.
Indeed, Governor Abdulrazaq’s administration has initiated significant infrastructural improvements, including major road networks that have greatly enhanced connectivity within the state.
Projects like the Tunde Idiagbon Bridge and Unity Flyover, along with the extensive 128-kilometer Bode Saadu/Kaiama/Kosubosu road, have all contributed to elevating the quality of life for residents and visitors.
However, as the governor pushes forward with this demolition, it is essential to consider the timing and approach amidst the current economic climate. Rising costs, job scarcity, and the financial strain felt by many families in the community make the demolition of a commercial property particularly contentious.
This action has not only affected the mall’s owners but has also reverberated throughout the local economy, jeopardizing livelihoods and community stability.
Ultimately, the Crystal Palace Mall demolition encapsulates the complexities of governance, development, and economic realities in Kwara State. The evaluation of whether this move is a step towards genuine development or an act of destruction depends largely on one’s perspective and political alignment.
As the situation unfolds, both the government and the residents must grapple with the profound implications of this contentious decision.
Arafat A. Abdulrazaq writes Oloje Housing Estate, Ilorin
