2019 governorship ambition of two brothers of same father is currently causing a rift in the popular Ilorin family of Usman Mustapha, an associate of a late political icon in Kwara state, Olusola Saraki
The rift is sparked up between the immediate past aide of the Senate President Bukola Saraki on special duties, Moshood Mustapha and his younger brother, Lukman Mustapha, a professional banker and a proprietor of a radio station, Sobi FM, Ilorin.
While Mr Mustapha (senior) is gunning for All Progressives Congress, APC, 2019 governorship ticket in the state, Mr Mustapha (junior) is making efforts to get the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, 2019 governorship ticket.
DAILY NIGERIAN gathered that there is palpable tension and divide between the family members as already, some have indicated their leaning towards each of the brothers.
On Friday morning, members of a political movement, Lukman Mustapha Freedom Squad, comprising of indigenes of Isale Aluko area of the metropolis, being the family house of the Mustapha, trooped to the residence of the father to ask him to endorse Lukman Mustapha as a preferred aspirant for the governorship position.
However, the octogenarian expressed joy and happiness but refused to lend his weight on either of the sons.
Recall that the Emir of Ilorin Emirate, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari’s visit to Mr Mustapha (junior), in Abuja generated rumours of political endorsements by the Emir to the host, towards 2019 gubernatorial elections in Kwara State.
However, PRNigeria also learnt that the royal visit of the Emir to the banker had nothing to do with politics of 2019.
Speaking during the visit, the royal father said he was proud to identify with his subjects who are impacting positively to the society in their various professional careers.
He urged the banker and members of his professional groups in the Coremate to remain good ambassadors of Ilorin Emirate.
Responding, Mr Mustapha expressed his joy to receive the Emir in 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 paid formal and informal visits to his people who are contributing positively in their various field of endeavours.
The source said: “The Emir is not a politician, but a Royal Father who supports to his entire subject in different parties, different fields and professions without bias and sentiment. He does such visits to encourage them to do more.”
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that Kwara is the home-state of Senate President Bukola Saraki and where the current governor Abdulfatai Ahmed will complete the second tenure in 2019.
There have been calculations on who the caps fit by the political juggernauts and traditional institutions to occupy Kwara government house to influence electoral victory.
