The Kwara state government on Thursday demolished the political home of the Sarakis, ‘Ile Arúgbó, in Ilorin.
The home, built by late Olusola Saraki, a former political leader in the state, was demolished by Kwara state security operatives after a drawn out battle between former Senate President Bukola Sàràkí and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq over rights to the land.
Governor AbdulRazaq had announced his decision to revoke the Saraki’s right to the land, alleging it was illegally acquired. According to him, the land was originally set aside for the construction of a secretariat and a parking lot for the civil service clinic.
He said it was unlawfully allocated to a private firm owned by the the late Olusola Saraki—Asa Investments Limited—without any record of payment to the state government.
However, his claim has been countered by former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who said his late father lawfully acquired the land from the state government.
“The property had been rightfully allocated to my late father under the name of one of his companies, Asa Investment Limited, since the 1980s and contrary to the claim of the Governor, the land was properly allocated and a Right of Occupancy title issued on it,” Saraki said.
Reactions
Reactions and comments have followed this move which many view as political more than a desire to correct a perceived wrong. As in all cases, there were those for and those against the demolition. Here are a few from Twitter:
Saraki boys are angry o..pls if you are in Ilorin and you drive a government official car do not pass through ile loke..the sympathisers are attacking government vehicles.
— Haleemah Jimada Esq. (@halima_Jimada) January 2, 2020
For all those against the governemt of kwara state for his latest action
Have not seen anyone point to the fact the saraki’s legally own the land in question
All talk have been about the old people who goes there to collect something from the saraki’s like a slave
— IBRAHIM {CMBBMB} 💵👨 (@KAHZKAHZ) January 2, 2020
Politics of bitterness doesn’t bring growth to any land
During the campaign time, the now Kwara Gov @RealAARahman has been after the Saraki family, January 2019 his thugs attacked family house of late Oloye at Agbaji Ilorin, scores injured, 2Killed, properties were destroyed. pic.twitter.com/8hsR33iYCx
— Onilemarun Kareem (@Onile050) January 2, 2020
Even if we believe some in Kwara do not like the Saraki political dynasty, surely not everyone will support what Abdulrazaq is doing.
Abdulrazaq will fail woefully like many of his APC brother-governors and few in PDP: pursuing vendetta at the expense of governance always fails.
— Demola Olarewaju (@DemolaRewaju) January 2, 2020
Is like people have forgotten that @bukolasaraki is not the only child of the Sarakis’. There is still one Useless Gbemi Sàràkí {a minister} who is standing by while her Father’s name & Legacy is being torn down 😱
— ⚽The Striker🇳🇬 (@Windstar2019) January 2, 2020
@bukolasaraki, @RealAARahman,@adors01,@IlorinInfo, @Kwara_APC, @Kwarayouthactio. Alhamdulilah, Now late Dr. Olusola Saraki can now rest in peace, as d land acquired unlawful by him as now been given to d real owner(Kwara state govt). Thanks to @RealAARahman.
— sokazz (@salaudeenkzm) January 2, 2020
Wai Saraki family house 🤣🤣 https://t.co/BTtqaybZHY
— Engr. Adamu Hayatu™ (@AHayatu) January 2, 2020
BREAKING: ‘Ile Arugbo’ which Saraki’s family illegally acquired from the @kwaragovt has been demolished.
*Ile Arugbo is an indictment of Saraki dynasty.
It will now be used to build Civil Service Secretariat Complex.#kwaralist #KwaraPropertyScam
— RuleRecords (@fattyrule) January 2, 2020
