Protests in Ilorin over hospital project
By Oluwatoyin Hawal Momolosho –
Tension escalated in Ilorin East on Wednesday as residents staged a peaceful protest over the stoppage of a multi-million naira federal hospital renovation project facilitated by Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District.
The protest, which took place on July 23, began at the Awodi Primary Healthcare Centre—the proposed site of the project—before demonstrators marched through major roads in Ilorin East Local Government Area, demanding the immediate resumption of work and an end to political interference.
The protesters, drawn from various communities, accused the Kwara State Government of blocking developmental initiatives for political reasons. Many carried placards bearing messages such as “Development is not a crime”, “Don’t play politics with our health”, “Turaki is working; let him work”, and “Kwara deserves better.”
According to Just Event Online TV, the protest follows a viral video showing the Chairman of Ilorin East Local Government, AbdulWasiu Agbelere, rejecting the renovation project at a public gathering. In the video, Agbelere reportedly stated that the hospital project, which is federally funded and facilitated by Senator Mustapha, would not be allowed due to political disagreements between the senator and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
This public declaration has drawn backlash from residents, traditional rulers, and civil society organisations who see it as a politically motivated move that undermines public welfare.
“This is not about politics; it’s about our health and future,” said one protester. “People are dying due to poor healthcare, and here we are, watching leaders fight over credit.”
The demonstrators called on the federal government and the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to intervene and mediate the escalating feud, which they say is stalling development in the state.
While the Kwara State Government has not released an official statement on the matter, the incident has deepened speculation over a growing rift between Senator Mustapha—popularly known as Turaki of Ilorin—and Governor AbdulRazaq, both key figures in the state’s APC structure.
Observers warn that continued political rivalry could jeopardise critical infrastructure projects and worsen public discontent in Kwara.
As of press time, the status of the halted hospital project remains unclear.
