In a surprising twist, AbdulHakeem Usman Mustapha, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has announced his resignation as the chairman of the Kwara State Education Trust Fund. Mustapha, who is the brother of former House of Representatives member and All Progressives Congress (APC) leader Hon. Mashood Mustapha, decided to step down in light of a contentious property demolition involving his brother’s business, Crystal Plaza, which occurred last Sunday in Ilorin.
The demolition of the property on Sulu Gambari Road has sparked considerable public outcry in Kwara State, with residents sharing a range of opinions on the government’s decision. The state administration has defended the demolition, claiming it was necessary because the property didn’t comply with its original approval for use.
Mr. Sulyman Kareem, Chairman of the Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KW-GIS), explained, “The removal of the Crystal corner shops is based on new findings that reveal serious violations of the land use approval granted to the owner on March 22, 2013. This approval was specifically for a commercial car park.” Kareem emphasized that the unauthorized structure hindered urban planning, road expansion, and environmental protection, which are crucial to the government’s urban renewal efforts.
In his resignation letter to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, dated October 7, 2024, Mustapha stated, “I hereby resign as the chairman of the Kwara State Education Trust Fund, effective today, October 7, 2024. I am grateful to the Kwara State Government for the opportunity to serve during my tenure.” This unexpected resignation leaves many in the community reflecting on the ramifications of Mustapha’s decision amid the surrounding controversies.
