Still on Crystal Place Mall Demolition in Ilorin
By Mariam Lawal
The act of demolition, while often considered a necessary component of urban development, can profoundly affect the lives and livelihoods of individuals and communities. The process, inherently complex, demands meticulous planning, execution, and strict adherence to safety regulations. While demolition can be crucial for infrastructure projects, it is equally imperative to consider its environmental ramifications and minimize its impact on the community.
The abrupt demolition of the Crystal Place Mall complex in Ilorin, Kwara State, at approximately 10 PM on a Sunday sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond. The unexpected event generated widespread discussion about its implications, motivations, and the lack of prior notification.
Less than twenty-four hours after receiving an eviction notice, this popular retail center on Sulu Gambari Road was reduced to rubble. Reports suggest there were no formal warnings provided to either the mall’s owners or its tenants before the demolition commenced. This abruptness left many bewildered, raising serious questions about the validity and ethicality of the action. The incident quickly escalated into a national news story, with various media outlets capturing the fallout.
According to Sahara Reporters, the demolition was reportedly ordered by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and is believed to stem from a protracted political conflict with the mall’s owner, Hon. Moshood Mustapha, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former member of the House of Representatives. Observers speculate that the demolition may have been politically motivated, a retaliatory measure targeting Mustapha’s interests. While definitive evidence remains elusive, the timing and manner of the demolition have fueled suspicions.
One of the most contentious aspects of the Crystal Place Mall demolition was the glaring absence of public warning or notification. Neither the mall’s owners nor the community at large were adequately informed before the demolition took place. This lack of communication has raised significant concerns about due process, property rights, and potential human rights violations.
In a compelling five-minute video, Hon. Mustapha articulated his belief that the demolition was politically motivated: “We’re all aware that it’s political. The governor has declared his opposition to me, aiming to financially ruin me. His actions this morning reflect his true nature—destructive. Let him proceed; his time is nearly up. I have faith in God and my fellow Kwara citizens, knowing we will democratically remove this regime when the time is right.”
The official justification presented by Suleiman Abdulkareem, chairperson of the Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KW-GIS), claimed that the land was originally allocated for a commercial parking lot, yet a shopping mall was constructed instead. Abdulkareem argued that recent findings indicated the mall violated the government’s land use approval granted on March 22, 2013. He contended that such illegal construction impedes urban planning, road expansion, and environmental protection—core components of the government’s urban renewal initiative. However, many viewed this explanation with skepticism, questioning its sufficiency to warrant the drastic step of demolishing an entire structure.
The destruction of the Crystal Place Mall has the potential to trigger a socio-economic crisis in Ilorin. Widespread protests, social unrest, and economic instability could arise in response, severely impacting the community through job losses, decreased livelihoods, and diminished property values.
In the wake of the demolition, numerous entrepreneurs are racing to salvage their goods, while others grapple with uncertainty about the viability of their businesses amidst the government’s actions.
In conclusion, the demolition of the Crystal Place Mall raises critical and complex questions. Despite the official explanations provided, many aspects of the event remain murky. The lack of timely information and communication to the public has only compounded the controversy. It is hoped that further investigations will illuminate the truths behind this incident, shedding light on the motivations, decisions, and consequences that have emerged from this troubling episode.
Mariam Lawal, a PRNigeria Fellow, writes from Ilorin Kwara
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