The Ilorin Emirate Political Advisory Council has disclosed ongoing efforts to reconcile Gov. Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq and the Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Saliu Mustapha amid reported cracks in their political relationship ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The council made this known after an emergency meeting which took place at the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.
Speaking with newsmen after the meeting in Ilorin, the National Coordinator of the council, Dr. Yakub Oloriegbe, said the body considered both men among the most prominent sons of the Ilorin Emirate and was determined to restore cordial relations between them in the interest of the community.
Oloriegbe said previous reconciliation efforts initiated by the Emir would serve as the foundation for the fresh intervention.
“You will recall that there was an earlier reconciliation effort championed by our father, the Emir of Ilorin, which was led by the late Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate, Dr Muhammad Bashir Solihu,” he said.
According to Oloriegbe, the earlier committee comprised respected Islamic scholars and prominent stakeholders, former Secretary to the Kwara State Government, Alhaji Sheu Gafar, and the National President of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union, Abdulmumini Abdulmalik, among others.
“We are building on those earlier efforts and we intend to move quickly on the matter,” he added.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the council, Lt. Col. Abubakar Edun (Rtd), warned that prolonged division between the two political figures could have adverse consequences for the Ilorin Emirate.
According to Edun, the rift has affected the community’s access to federal projects and political appointments.
“The two are among the finest sons of this community. Unfortunately, the cracks in their relationship have cost the emirate several multi-billion naira federal projects and appointments,” he said.
