Former lawmaker alleges victimisation, as Kwara govt demolishes his mall

The demolition of Crystal Place Mall, owned by former House of Representatives member Moshood Mustapha, has sparked outrage in Kwara State, exacerbating the rift between Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Mustapha, who belong to the same party.

The mall was said to have been demolished on Sunday night, with police providing security, after occupants received a 3-hour vacation notice from the Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KW-GIS) citing violations.

However, KW-GIS Chairman Suleiman Abdulkareem, on Tuesday, justified the demolition, stating that the land was initially allocated for a commercial car park, but Mustapha erected a shopping mall, violating the government’s land use approval.

“Illegal building creates obstacles for urban planning, road expansion, and environmental protection,” Abdulkareem explained.

“But he went on to erect a shopping mall and new findings show that the structure grossly violates the government’s land use approval issued to the owner on March 22, 2013.

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However, Mustapha disputed this claim through his media aide, Dr. Opeyemi Aregbesola, asserting that the structure was built according to the approved building plan and did not encroach on government setbacks. “This is pure political vendetta… Evicting a landowner without considering his constitutional rights smacks of political vindictiveness,” Mustapha stated.

“The now-demolished Crystal Place was built based on the approved building plan and there was never an encroachment on government setbacks.

“There is no need to sugar-coat it, this is pure political vendetta. Compulsory acquisition of properties by the government is not new; it can be done for overriding public interest but there are processes that should be followed”, he stated.

The demolition is seen as a retaliation against Mustapha, who advised the government on the new price for the renovation of the N17.8 billion Kwara Hotel, leading to the contract being revoked and awarded to Craneberge.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki condemned the demolition, describing it as “pettiness” and “violence against the people of Kwara State and the economy.” Saraki emphasized that his stance is not influenced by his political relationship with Mustapha but rather a broader perspective on the issue.

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