A wave of public sentiment has emerged in support of the Kwara State Government amid an ongoing controversy surrounding the construction of a pavilion within the Emir of Ilorin’s Palace.
Citizens are calling on Senator Saliu Mustapha, the Turaki of Ilorin and senator representing Kwara Central, to obtain proper statutory approval before proceeding with the project.
A majority of contributors to a weekend radio discussion threw their weight behind the government, urging the senator to seek authorization from the appropriate state agencies before embarking on any building projects within the revered palace premises. Many warned that failing to follow due process could lead to avoidable disputes or unintended consequences in the future.
The issue was extensively debated on Eto Wa, a widely listened-to radio program produced by leading pro-democracy group Kwara Must Change. The episode featured seasoned commentators, including Mr. Dare Kamaldeen Babasiga and development analyst Dr. Ibrahim Kuranga, who explained the legal and procedural frameworks governing public infrastructure development—especially in historically and culturally sensitive areas.
The pavilion in question is reportedly being constructed under the directive of Senator Mustapha without documented clearance from relevant state regulatory bodies, a move that has raised concern about procedural compliance.
In a rare move, the program’s anchor, Bolaji Galadima, opened the phone lines earlier than usual to capture real-time public sentiment. The responses were emphatic and largely unanimous, callers from across Ilorin and beyond expressed strong support for the Kwara State Government’s insistence on adherence to due process.
Several contributors emphasized that no individual, regardless of social or political status, should bypass the laid-down procedures for construction, especially within the Emir’s Palace, which stands as a symbol of cultural heritage and traditional authority in Ilorin Emirate.
“The rule of law must prevail, one caller stated.
The controversy has reignited broader conversations about the boundaries of political influence in traditional institutions and the need to uphold institutional integrity.
