Crystal Shopping Complex: A Symbol of Kwara’s Political Tensions
By Yusuf Abdulkadir
The recent demolition of the Crystal Shopping Complex in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, has ignited widespread speculation and debate about the motives and implications behind such a drastic action.
Many observers argue that this demolition is a calculated display of power by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, particularly in the context of his ongoing feud with former House of Representatives member Mashood Mustapha, a significant figure in the political landscape of Kwara.
As someone familiar with the intricate dynamics of Kwara’s environment and politics, I can attest that the issue of demolitions has morphed into a contentious and recurring theme of discussion among residents. It has become a source of unease, akin to a dish the Kwara State government serves to its citizens, especially to political adversaries.
I have personally witnessed the destruction of shops and properties in various parts of the state, including notable areas such as Taiwo, Tanke, and Oja Oba.
The recent action against the Crystal Shopping Complex, located near Mustapha’s building, not only targeted his property but also adversely affected numerous shops and other establishments in the vicinity.
Analyzing the statements from Sulyman Abdulkareem, chairman of the Kwara State Geographic Information System, further reveals the power dynamics at play.
Abdulkareem asserts that the Crystal Shopping Complex violated land use approval granted to Mustapha for the construction of a commercial car park in 2013. Yet, one cannot help but wonder whether the true motivations transcend mere regulatory compliance.
It is abundantly clear that the relationship between Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and Mashood Mustapha has soured irreparably, escalating into a bitter rivalry.
Once allies, their friendship has been dismantled, particularly as Mustapha was formerly close to the influential Bukola Saraki, who served both as Senate President and Governor of Kwara State.
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On the other hand, Rafiu Ajakaye has defended Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s actions, asserting that the governor is committed to restoring order and progress in Ilorin.
He contends that these demolitions are part of an urban renewal program aimed at adjusting Ilorin’s infrastructure to meet contemporary realities—an effort that he claims has been overdue since 2000.
In response to Saraki’s criticisms regarding the government’s demolition activities, especially the Crystal Shopping Complex, Ajakaye accused Saraki and his political successors of mismanaging public funds and engaging in property misappropriation.
He articulated examples such as the controversial sale of land at the judge’s quarters and the controversial Ile Arugbo property, arguing that a lack of strategic planning has stifled the state’s growth amid urban development challenges.
Given the context and the recent actions of the state government, it appears as though Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has utilized the demolition of Mustapha’s property as a tactical move in a larger power play, aimed at asserting dominance and diminishing his political rival’s influence.
This theory gains further credence through a video posted on social media in which Mustapha claims that the demolition was politically motivated.
He alleges that the government targeted his property following a minor political disagreement and laments the fact that tenants received only a three-hour eviction notice before the building was demolished overnight.
In conclusion, the demolition of the Crystal Shopping Complex serves as a stark reminder of the complex interplay of politics, power, and urban development in Kwara State.
As residents grapple with the implications of these actions, it is essential that we continue to scrutinize the motivations behind such drastic measures, lest we find ourselves at the mercy of arbitrary governance masked under the guise of urban renewal.
Yusuf Abdulkadir, a PRNigeria Fellow writes from Ilorin, Kwara State
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