From Segun Fagbemi, Ilorin
A goodwill gesture to the newly appointed Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani, has triggered a fresh political exchange between the ruling All Progressives Congress-led government in Kwara State and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.
The development followed separate gestures by former Senate President and Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to the Chief Imam and the Ilorin Emirate’s religious leadership.
Saraki, who visited the Chief Imam shortly after arriving in Ilorin, congratulated him on his appointment and reportedly gifted him a new Toyota Land Cruiser, N5m cash and other logistical support to assist him in his religious and community responsibilities.
The gesture attracted commendation from the Kwara State chapter of the PDP, which described it as an example of “people-centred leadership.”
In a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the party said Saraki’s gesture demonstrated compassion, respect for traditional institutions and commitment to public service.
The PDP, however, criticised Governor AbdulRazaq over what it described as a delay in fulfilling an earlier promise to provide official transportation for the Chief Imam.
The opposition party alleged that the governor’s promise had remained unfulfilled for nearly two months, suggesting that any subsequent action by the government could be perceived as a reaction to Saraki’s intervention.
“For close to two months, the welfare needs of the Chief Imam received no attention from the governor despite his promise. It would therefore be unfortunate if the government suddenly wakes up only after Dr. Saraki has once again demonstrated what genuine leadership looks like,” the party said.
The PDP added that “leadership is measured by timely action, not by promises that have to wait for Saraki’s action to be executed.”
It maintained that supporting religious institutions in the Ilorin Emirate was an investment in peace, unity and the preservation of the area’s heritage.
However, hours after the PDP statement, the Kwara State Government announced the fulfilment of Governor AbdulRazaq’s earlier pledge, saying four official vehicles had been presented to the Chief Imam and the Council of Ulamah of the Ilorin Emirate.
The presentation took place at the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.
The vehicles comprised a brand-new Toyota Prado for the Chief Imam, a bus for the Council of Ulamah, a jeep for Imam Imale, Sheikh Abdullahi AbdulHameed, and another jeep for Imam Gambari, Sheikh AbdulAzeez Sulaiman.
Representing the governor at the presentation, his Senior Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Saadu Salau, said the gesture was in support of the Emir of Ilorin, the Emirate Council and the Council of Ulamah.
Salau said, “What is happening today is practical fulfilment of that promise, in terms of a Toyota SUV GX, brand new, delivered to the Chief Imam.
“But in addition to that, the Governor has also extended his gesture to the Council of Ulamah by giving them a bus and has also included the Imam Imale and the Imam Gambari.”
Receiving the vehicles on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Emir of Ilorin commended Governor AbdulRazaq for fulfilling his promise and supporting religious institutions in the state.
He also prayed for divine guidance and wisdom for the governor in the administration of the state.
The Chief Imam similarly expressed appreciation for the gesture, saying the vehicles would help address transportation challenges confronting the religious leaders.
He said, “I give thanks to Almighty Allah and I am very grateful to our amiable Governor. May Almighty Allah continue to protect and guide him from all evils. We really appreciate what he did for us.
“The bus will assist the Ulamah, the council of Muslim clerics, to move together easily anytime we have an occasion.”
The development has provided fresh grounds for political contest between the APC-led government and the PDP, with both sides highlighting their contributions to the welfare of the Ilorin Emirate’s religious and traditional institutions.
The latest exchange also comes against the backdrop of heightened political activities in Kwara ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the two major political parties seek to strengthen their support bases across the state