1 week ago
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….Pan-Kwara movement frowns at Gov AbdulRazaq’s disregard for late Olawoyin, Yoruba race
Pan-Kwara Movement, PKM, has expressed displeasure at what they termed as blatant disregard for Yoruba race by Kwara Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, during the centenary celebration of Chief J. S. Olawoyin at ODU Hall in the ancient city of Offa, Kwara state.
Late Olawoyin, was an anti colonial activist with passion for fighting the Yoruba course.
The recent centenary celebration of the late nationalist resulting in its snub by the state government sparked outrage and disappointment among the Yoruba people in Kwara State.
According to the body, despite being officially invited, Governor AbdulRazaq and other top government officials failed to attend the event or send representatives.
The group termed the gesture ‘blatant disregard’ in a release signed by Abdulkareem Sodiq Esq., the President of Pan-Kwara Movement.
“This blatant disregard for Chief Olawoyin’s legacy and the Yoruba people has raised questions about the Governor’s commitment to unity and inclusivity.
“As a member of the Nigerian Federal Parliament, Chief Olawoyin played a pivotal role in the creation of Kwara State, moving the motion for its establishment in 1967.
“The greatest disservice to humanity is to obviously disregard your heroes.
“As if that’s not enough, the Governor’s decision to name various projects and already existing government facilities after other personalities in the state while ignoring Chief Olawoyin’s contributions has been perceived as a deliberate snub.
“This, combined with the alleged instruction to government officials including Offa Local Government Council Chairman to boycott the centenary celebration, has fueled concerns about the Governor’s attitude towards Chief J. S. Olawoyin and other Yoruba people in Kwara State.
“No wonder the Governor will never wear a Yoruba cap, even where he is being honoured by Obas with Chieftaincy titles.
“It is equally worrisome to observe series of unholy actions of Governor AbdulRazaq against the people of Igbominna with his decision to neglect the oldest College of Education in Kwara state situated in the ancient town of Oro, Irepodun Local Government for conversion to University of Education despite various appeal from royal fathers, respected community leaders and associations among other prominent people whose appeal were obviously turned down for consideration just because the said institution located in Yoruba territory of Kwara.
“Renaming of Government House Ilorin as ‘Ahmadu Bello House’ at the expense of prominent heroes of Kwara origin shows his complete disregard of our cherished hero in kwara state and undue subservient of Arewa expansionism syndrome.
“The list of Governor AA’s hostility to Yoruba race in Kwara is endless,” they alleged.
The Pan-Kwara Movement deemed it inevitable to ask reasons for this neglect.
The group also called for greater recognition and respect for Yoruba leaders and their contributions to the state’s history and development.
“Just like a seed, the more you tried burying the Yoruba race and its heritage in Kwara, the stronger they germinate,” the group said.
English (US) ·