The Ilorin Emirate Political Advisory Council has disclosed ongoing efforts to reconcile Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Saliu Mustapha, amid reported cracks in their political relationship ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The council made this known following an emergency meeting held at the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the National Coordinator of the council, Yakub Yahaya Oloriegbe, said the body regarded both men as prominent sons of the Ilorin Emirate and was determined to restore cordial relations between them in the interest of the community.

Oloriegbe explained that previous reconciliation efforts initiated by the Emir would serve as the foundation for the latest intervention.

“You will recall that there was an earlier reconciliation effort championed by our father, the Emir of Ilorin, which was led by the late Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate, Dr Muhammad Bashir Solihu,” he said.

According to him, the earlier reconciliation committee included respected Islamic scholars and prominent stakeholders such as Habeeb Abdullahi Al-Ilory, Abdulkadir Kamaldeen Al-Adaby, former Secretary to the Kwara State Government, Sheu Gafar, and the National President of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union, Abdulmumini Abdulmalik.

“We are building on those earlier efforts and we intend to move quickly on the matter,” Oloriegbe added.

Also speaking, the Secretary of the council, Abubakar Edun, warned that prolonged division between the governor and the senator could negatively affect the political and developmental interests of the Ilorin Emirate.

According to him, the rift had already impacted the community’s access to federal projects and political appointments.

“The two are among the finest sons of this community. Unfortunately, the cracks in their relationship have cost the emirate several multi-billion naira federal projects and appointments,” he said.

“And if care isn’t taken, it could cost us even more in the forthcoming elections. May God forbid it.”

Edun added that the council had realised the need for decisive intervention before the situation further affects the political fortunes of the emirate.

“We have realised that if decisive steps are not taken, it is the Ilorin Emirate that will continue to bear the consequences,” he stated.

The council also inspected the ongoing pavilion project at the forecourt of the Emir’s palace and commended the Kwara State Government for the quality of work being carried out at the site.