In recent times, I have observed several arguments suggesting that Ilorin Emirate or Kwara Central would never “ DO NUMBER 2”.
However, I strongly believe the famous statement credited to our revered father and respected stakeholder was made out of genuine love, concern, and commitment toward preserving the historical relevance, unity, and stability of the Ilorin Emirate.
Across Nigeria, we have witnessed situations where leadership tussles and disagreements among traditional institutions created avoidable crises. Oyo State is a notable example, where the position of permanent chairman among first-class traditional rulers was eventually changed to a rotational arrangement due to prolonged disagreements and competing interests.
Therefore, such statements should be understood within the context of protecting the dignity, unity, and historical position of the Ilorin Emirate, not as a tool for political division or regional confrontation.
Unfortunately, some opposition elements have deliberately twisted the narrative for political gain because they currently have little to campaign against considering the visible achievements and giant developmental strides of His Excellency, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq across Kwara State.
While everyone is entitled to political opinion, we must approach sensitive conversations like this with maturity, sincerity, wisdom, and deeper understanding of governance beyond emotions and sentiments.
First, Allah has already blessed Ilorin and Kwara Central beyond imagination. By the grace of Almighty Allah, Ilorin remains the state capital and the political, economic, educational, and administrative nerve center of Kwara State.
Every serious administration, regardless of where the governor comes from, must naturally pay strategic attention to Ilorin because governance visibility, economic activities, infrastructural development, and political stability are closely tied to the capital city.
No governor who truly desires successful governance, political stability, or even a second term would deliberately neglect the capital.
History itself has proven this repeatedly.
Under different administrations, including leaders from other districts, Ilorin and Kwara Central have consistently witnessed growth and development because of the strategic importance of the capital in the affairs of the state.
Politics therefore should not always be reduced to “A MUST” alone, but rather who can sustain peace, development, inclusion, continuity, and collective progress for all Kwarans.
Another important lesson from recent political developments is that politics remains dynamic and ultimately guided by destiny, consultations, and collective interest.
At a point, many believed the political direction had settled elsewhere. Yet, with time, realities changed, wider consultations happened, and the situation evolved differently. This alone should remind us that leadership decisions are often deeper than public assumptions.
It also reflects the spirit of sportsmanship and political maturity demonstrated by Rt.Hon Engr Salihu Yakubu Danladi alongside other leading aspirants and stakeholders, who already aligned themselves with earlier endorsement in broader progressive interest of the party.
Politics naturally comes with strategies, alignments, and differing interests. However, beyond human calculations and political permutations, Almighty Allah remains the ultimate giver of power and authority.
As the Holy Qur’an reminds us:
“Indeed, You give power to whom You will and You take power from whom You will.”
This is why politics should be approached with wisdom, patience, maturity, and without bitterness or unnecessary sentiments. Even in situations where political outcomes may not favor us, we must always demonstrate unity, understanding, and the ability to rally together for a greater collective cause.
As Kwarans, especially from Kwara Central and the Ilorin Emirate, we must continue to show the spirit of leadership, accommodation, and political maturity so that other districts will always see us as partners in progress rather than a selfish zone concerned only about its own interest.
Rather than promote division between North, South, and Central, this moment should strengthen unity among us ; especially among the youths, because nobody truly knows who may become a source of help, partnership, or support tomorrow.
As youths and stakeholders, we must rise above narratives capable of creating unnecessary division among brothers and sisters who have coexisted peacefully for decades.
And regardless of where leadership emerges from, our collective responsibility should remain how to sustain development, strengthen unity, empower the people, and move Kwara State forward together.
Most importantly, Rt. Hon. Engr. Salihu Yakubu Danladi understands and appreciates the importance of traditional institutions, particularly the Emirate system, because Kwara North itself proudly operates and preserves similar traditional structures and values. This gives him a deeper understanding of the respect, honor, and cultural significance attached to the Ilorin Emirate and its historical role in Kwara State.
As Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, he has consistently demonstrated maturity, loyalty, humility, and respect for leadership and constituted authority. There is therefore no reason for anyone to believe that a leader with such background and understanding would ever undermine the interest, dignity, or historical relevance of Ilorin Emirate.
No district can truly progress in isolation. Alone, we cannot build the Kwara of our dreams.
Our strength lies in unity beyond district lines, beyond political sentiments, and beyond personal interests. A united Kwara where every zone supports one another is the only path to lasting development, fairness, peace, and prosperity.
We must desist from sentiments and divisive narratives that make others feel less important in the affairs of our state. Politics should unite us, not divide us. When unnecessary pride, exclusion, and superiority take over, alliances can easily shift, and the consequences may not favor those who once felt untouchable.
That is why fairness, mutual respect, inclusion, wisdom, and political maturity must guide our engagements. Every district must feel valued, respected, and carried along in the collective journey of building a stronger, peaceful, and forever relevant Kwara.
Kwara first, always.
Hon. Hassan Muhammed Hawal
Representative, Kwara Central Senatorial District, Nigerian Youth Parliament
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