Governor Abdurahman’s Aide, Ibraheem Abdullateef, The One-Penny Propagandist

By; Abdulsalam Oniyere

I read Ibraheem Abdullateef’s recent article with the title “Durbar2025: Saraki and his crowd should be ashamed,” and I couldn’t help but shook my head in disappointment. Is this what governance communication has become in Kwara State? That a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor will dedicate his energy not to promoting peace or unity but to dragging a respected traditional titleholder like Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki?

Let’s be clear, nobody tried to undermine the Emirate, not Saraki, not his supporters. The only people undermining the Ilorin Emirates Durbar are those politicizing it.

Let me say the real tragedy, It is even more disturbing that Abdullateef, in his desperation, attempted to politicize the unfortunate death of a loyal party member, Hajia Roheemat Aduke Atanda. He falsely claimed there was a stampede at Saraki’s private Sallah gathering, an event that most people testified was peaceful, joyous, and well-coordinated. But facts, as always, are stubborn. The Kwara PDP has already debunked this reckless lie: there was no stampede, and Hajia Aduke did not die at Saraki’s residence. The family confirmed she had a known health condition and collapsed on her way home, not inside the premises. She received immediate medical attention but sadly passed on two days after the event. To twist such a painful incident for political gain is a new low, even for this administration.

Let’s be clear, Saraki never sought to undermine the Emir or the Ilorin Emirates Durbar. He simply held a private gathering for his supporters, and the people chose to show up in large numbers. They left the main Durbar venue to go and greet him not because of disrespect for the Emir, but because Saraki represents something deeper for them: hope, connection, and leadership. When Saraki used to attend the Durbar, this same government couldn’t contain their jealousy. Now that he stayed away, they’re still angry. What exactly do they want?

We said it before, and we’ll say it again, playing politics with our cultural heritage will only sow disunity. But this government thrives on division. They accused us of crying wolf when we warned about the dangers of their bitterness. Now, Saraki’s absence has proven his unshaken relevance. A simple private hangout attracted more love and attention. That says everything.

And let’s not allow Abdullateef to get ahead of himself. He is not even worth being called that label of propagandist. He is simply a cheap, crass, classless and uncultured liar. He is not in the position to pitch the Waziri of Ilorin against the Emir of Ilorin. That is far above his weight class. Saraki has shown nothing but respect for the Ilorin Emirate, even when others in government are dragging tradition into political mud.

Now, to stoop so low as to falsely claimed there was a stampede and death at Saraki’s event just to smear his name shows how hateful, low, bittered, troubled and desperate Abdullateef and his class people have become. It’s not just insensitive; it’s cruel. The public knows better. Kwarans can see through their lies. And no amount of propaganda will take away the truth.
The Durbar is meant to unite the Ilorin people. But under this administration, everything has become a tool for vendetta. That is the real tragedy.

Abdulsalam Oniyere,
Adewole Ward, Ilorin West Local Government.