Kwara LG chairman halts lawmaker’s hospital project, cites political loyalty
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin –
The Chairman of Ilorin East Local Government Area, Mallam Lukman Agbelere, has come under scrutiny following a viral video in which he openly rejected a hospital renovation project facilitated by Senator Saliu Mustapha, who represents Kwara Central Senatorial District.
In the footage, Agbelere, speaking in Yoruba, acknowledged stopping the renovation of a primary healthcare center in Awodi, part of the senator’s constituency.
He attributed his decision to political loyalty, describing Senator Mustapha as an “enemy” of his political principal. “Ota oga mi, ota mi” (an enemy of my boss is my enemy), he declared.
The project, reportedly valued at approximately N200 million, was aimed at upgrading healthcare infrastructure within the senatorial district. However, the chairman stated that the local government would undertake the renovation independently, alongside other development initiatives.
Agbelere further maintained that the council, with the support of the state governor, possesses the capacity to execute such projects. He emphasized that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had given clear directives to local government officials to prioritize grassroots development and ensure the delivery of good governance.
The video, which has triggered widespread reactions, also captured the chairman referencing a radio programme where he was criticized for allegedly obstructing the project. He defended his stance as being rooted in loyalty to the state’s political leadership.
The development is believed to be linked to emerging political tensions between Senator Mustapha and the state government, particularly over succession dynamics ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
