Lanre Idris Mustapha
Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has described the demolition of Moshood Mustapha’s mall as a show of retaliation by Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq against political enemies in the state.
Saraki stated that AbdulRahman is embittered by the ruling All Progressives Congress’s poor performance in the just concluded council elections.
He pointed out that demolition of Crystal Mall in Ilorin and the arrest of Alhaji Tajudeen Sulu Oloje, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain were politically motivated.
He maintained that he could not hide his resentment despite despite the difference in political affiliations between Moshood Mustapha, who severed tie with him 2018.
The former governor stressed that his concern goes beyond personal ties, saying the demolition of Crystal Palace Mall is harmful to both the people and the economy of Kwara State.
He, therefore, condemned the action, suggesting it was a response to the APC’s election losses, stating, “Why did Abdulrazaq suddenly decide to demolish Crystal Mall after 64 months in office? This is clearly a reaction to the election results.”
Saraki also accused the governor of using similar intimidation tactics in the past, citing instances where opposition politicians were arrested on fabricated charges.
He argued that the demolition is part of a broader effort to silence political adversaries after the APC’s electoral setbacks.
Recall that The City Gazzete reported that Moshood Mustapha, the owner of Crystal Mall, accused the governor of targeting his property due to the political fallout between them.
In May 2024, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, denied that the mall was slated for demolition, stating that only parts of the fence and kiosks violated building regulations, not the main structure.
The state’s Geographic Information Service (KW-GIS), he said, was simply ensuring compliance with setback rules.
