Kwara 2019: Emir of Ilorin’s visit to banker causes ripples

A surprise visit by Emir of Ilorin Emirate, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari to Abuja based banker, Lukman Olayiwola Mustapha, has led to rumours of his endorsements, for the 2019 gubernatorial elections in Kwara State.

The Emir recently paid a private visit to Mustapha, a top bank executive with FCMB. The banker is also president of Coremate Forum of Ilorin Professionals.

Mustapha, a proprietor of a Radio Station in Kwara State is said to be the choice of the Kwara establishment for the office of governor next year.

Kwara is the home-state of Senate President Bukola Saraki and where the current governor Abdulfatai Ahmed will complete his second tenure in 2019.

There have been calculations on who will be the consensus candidate of political power brokers and traditional institutions in Kwara.

However, PRNigeria also learnt that the royal visit of the Emir to the banker had nothing to do with politics of 2019.

Speaking during his visit with his selected aides, the royal father said he was proud to identify with his subjects who are impacting positively to the society in their various professional careers, urging the banker and members of his group to continue to be good ambassadors of Ilorin Emirate.

Responding, Mustapha expressed his joy to receive the Emir at his residence. He said: “My joy knows no bound. I welcome your Royal Highness to this your house. As the custodian of our culture and heritage, our houses are yours as you continue to identify with us as your children. I pray that Almighty Allah will continue to preserve you for us”.

A source close to the Emir’s Palace confirmed the visit to PRNigeria noting that, whenever the Emir travelled outside the state it was customary that he pays formal or informal visits to his people, doing well in various field of endeavours.

The source said: “The Emir is not a politician, but a royal father who supports all his subject in different parties, different fields and professions without bias and sentiment. He does such visits to encourage them to do more.”