Dear Esteemed Ilorin Emirate Lovers,

The leadership of over two hundred development associations under the umbrella of Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association (IEYDA) pass VOTE OF CONFIDENCE on Alhaji Mohammed Uthman Jagunmo as the National President of IEYDA at an expanded NEC Meeting held on Sunday, 19th January, 2025, at the National Secretariat of the association, in Ilorin, Kwara State.

From the resolutions of the expanded NEC meeting, we wish to state the followings:

The Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association (IEYDA) has always been a pillar of unity, progress, and development within the Emirate. Its commitments have always been to the collective advancement of the Emirate and its people, with no focus on partisan politics. Recent claims to the contrary are entirely baseless, unfortunate, uncharitable and condemnable, aimed solely at misleading the public and stirring division where unity has always prevailed.

2. It is crucial to clarify that IEYDA is not affiliated with any political party. The association’s sole mission is to further the development of the Emirate under the guidance of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin and the values he represents. The remarks made by Abubakar Suleiman (Sai Kayi), Special Adviser on Political Matters to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mall. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON; Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate, suggesting that IEYDA’s leadership is politically motivated, are without merit and seem intended to foster division. These claims are nothing more than distractions, meant to undermine the credibility of an association that has always been dedicated to the Emirate’s growth. Additionally, IEYDA is not tied to any individual, nor will it ever be. The association is open to working with both indigenes and non-indigenes who are genuinely committed to advancing the Emirate’s development, fostering inclusiveness for the benefit of all the people of Ilorin Emirate especially our teeming Youths.

3. Contrary to some claims, IEYDA has never accused the Kwara State Government of creating a rival organization. If new groups or associations emerge in the Emirate; IEYDA is ready to welcome them and also guide them towards adhering to the principles, rules, and regulations that govern the Emirate which is “for the love of our people” such as Ilorin Emirate Youth Alliance (ILEYA), Ilorin Emirate Youth Forum (IEYF), Ilorin Emirate Ilorin Emirate Youth Integrity Vanguard (IEYIV). The strength of our Emirate lies in unity, not rivalry, and any efforts to divide youth organizations will only weaken the collective strength of the people.

4. His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kwara State and Chairman Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, CON, is not just the number citizen of Kwara State, but also a reputable and bonafide holder of the prestigious traditional title of Sardauna of Ilorin. He is a Father for all, and as youths of the Emirate, we are alive to this fact and we have never been found wanting in giving due respect and acknowledgement to any elder in the Emirate, and it will never happen, as His Royal Highness doesn’t confer traditional title of the Emirate on undeserving individuals, so, the Sardauna Ngeri remains our Father, a noble and well respected one for that matter. At this juncture, it is crucial to clear His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Sardauna NGeri) of any involvement in the ongoing controversy. There is no evidence to suggest that the Governor supports or condones the divisive comments made by Sai Kayi. The Governor has consistently shown commitments to promoting development and maintaining strong ties with the Alimi ruling house and the Emir of Ilorin.

5. If Sai Kayi has personal issues with the leadership of IEYDA, they should be addressed directly and transparently, rather than using them to cause unwarranted and unproductive disagreement and noises within the good people of Ilorin Emirate. The Emirate deserves honesty and clarity, not political maneuvering.

In addition, let us remember that the Ilorin Emirate stands as a symbol of unity, strength, and progress. Regardless of any attempt to sow discord, our unity remains steadfast. Ilorin Emirate is always in forefront when it comes to promotion of peace, development, and cultural heritage, and no force can diminish the bond that unites its people. As members of this proud Emirate, we appeal to every groups and individuals to shut their pens on this issue and start writing on ways to bring more development to our various communities.

Lets us stay focused on our shared goals and continue supporting initiatives that foster progress. Political distractions have no place in our collective mission. The Ilorin Emirate will continue to thrive, guided by the principles of unity, development, and the leadership of our revered Emir.

Finally, we warn all parties that are fanning the ember of discord between the father of Kwara State, His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON and his dear children (IEYDA members) in a deliberate attempt to blackmail and score cheap political sympathy/popularity to desist from such unpatriotic act because failure to heed to this advice is tantamount to daring the unforseen consequential repercussions.

Let us join hands together with our amiable Governor to take Kwara State to the next level of economic growth and development as well as social infrastructure.

Signed:
Engr. Ahmed Kazeem Jatto, MNSE
National Secretary,
Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association (IEYDA)