
The recent demolition of the Crystal Place Mall in Ilorin has sparked widespread controversy, with the owner, Hon. Moshood Mustapha, accusing the Kwara State Government of carrying out a politically motivated vendetta.
Barely 24 hours after a sudden eviction notice, the popular shopping complex along Sulu Gambari Road was reduced to rubbles late Sunday, (6th September, 2024) night under tight security. Mustapha, a former member of the Federal House of Representatives, claims the property, valued at nearly N1 billion, was fully compliant with town planning laws and had all necessary approval.
In a video, he expressed outrage, accusing Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of orchestrating the demolition as an act of “madness” and a gross abuse of power, allegedly due to a personal political fallout.
However, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kwara State speaking today on the Diamond Breakfast Show, stated that the land was originally approved in 2013 under the then Governor of the State, Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed and in the documents it stated that the land was approved for use as a car park only, further emphasizing that the breach in agreement was what constituted in the eventual demolition of the Mall.
According to him the excessive human activities in the environment constitutes to 70-75% of natural phenomenon like flooding , people tend to do what they like to their environment unknowingly causing this natural phenomenon, so it falls to the government to take responsibility.
“Erecting building structures of any kind in place it’s not suppose to be in can also increase the effects of this phenomenon to a large extend”. he added
However, the dispute over the demolition of Crystal Place Mall highlights the tension between governance and political alliance. while Hon. Moshood Mustapha insists that the demolition is an act of political reprisal, the Kwara State Government stand firm in it’s stance. As the controversy continues to unfold, it’s outcome is sure to shape public perception of both the administration’s commitment to lawful governance and it’s relationship with political actors.
BY AKANBI ABDULAZEEZ