A wave of public sentiment has emerged in support of the Kwara State Government amid a growing controversy over 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 secure proper statutory approval before proceeding with the project.
During a weekend radio discussion, the majority of contributors voiced support for the government, urging the senator to obtain authorization from the appropriate state agencies before embarking on any building projects within the revered palace grounds. Many warned that failure to follow due process could lead to avoidable disputes or unintended consequences.
The issue was extensively debated on Eto Wa, a widely followed radio program produced by the pro-democracy group Kwara Must Change. The episode featured notable commentators, including Mr. Dare Kamaldeen Babasiga and development analyst Dr. Ibrahim Kuranga, who highlighted the legal and procedural frameworks guiding public infrastructure projects—especially in historically and culturally sensitive locations.
The pavilion is reportedly being constructed under Senator Mustapha’s directive without documented clearance from relevant state regulatory bodies, raising concerns about procedural compliance.
In a rare move, the program’s anchor, Bolaji Galadima, opened the phone lines earlier than usual to gauge public sentiment in real time. The responses were emphatic and largely unanimous, as callers from across Ilorin and beyond expressed strong support for the government’s insistence on adherence to due process.
Several contributors stressed that no individual, regardless of status, should bypass established construction procedures.
