January 16th, 2025
Special Adviser on Political Matters to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazak, Abubakar Suleiman (Sai Kai) has alleged that the leadership of the Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association (IEYDA), including its chairman, Alhaji Muhammad Uthman Jagunma, is politically aligned with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Suleiman made this claim in response to widespread allegations that the Kwara State Government is supporting the creation of a parallel youth group to rival the IEYDA. He dismissed accusations of political interference, instead pointing to internal dissatisfaction among IEYDA members as the root of the controversy.
“Some IEYDA members who are not comfortable with Jagunma’s leadership approached me with their plans to form another association. As a public servant, I have every right to welcome anyone who comes to my office, even if Jagunma himself leads his team to meet me. My role is to listen to everyone,” Suleiman stated.
The Special Adviser alleged that Jagunma and his executives are not politically neutral, claiming that they are active members of the PDP and closely associated with Senator Saliu Mustapha.
“I know Jagunma is a card-carrying member of the PDP, and the majority of his executives are also aligned with the party. They are not neutral in their activities. While I have no personal issues with IEYDA, I must point out the political leanings of its leadership,” Suleiman said.
The allegations against the Kwara State Government stem from accusations that it seeks to weaken the influence of IEYDA, a group established under the authority of the Emir of Ilorin. Critics claim that the creation of a parallel group is an attempt to undermine the Emirate’s traditional institutions.
The controversy has sparked debates about the relationship between traditional Emirate institutions and the state government, with stakeholders urging caution to preserve the unity of the Emirate’s youth structures.