By Ajewole Joshua |ABNews| September 29, 2025
Ilorin — Hon. Oladipo Sharafadeen Babatunde (Laka), an aspirant for the Essa/Sawo/Igbodun Constituency, has dismissed recent calls for the declaration of a state of emergency in Kwara State, describing them as “politically motivated” and “dangerous to the peace and stability of the state.”
In a statement on Monday, Laka said the open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu by a group of individuals does not represent the true situation in the state. He accused those behind the call of seeking political relevance rather than offering solutions to security challenges.
“It is obvious that those behind this call are not acting in the interest of the people but in pursuit of political relevance. Instead of offering constructive solutions, they prefer to spread fear and paint Kwara black before the entire nation,” he said.
Laka maintained that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration has demonstrated commitment to security through the provision of operational vehicles, equipment, and allowances for security agencies, as well as the formation of community policing and vigilante groups across local governments.
He further noted that the state government has been proactive in responding to security threats such as kidnappings, cult clashes, and rural banditry, while also holding regular strategy sessions with security chiefs.
“There is no basis for a state of emergency in Kwara. The state is far more peaceful than many others where such calls have not been made. To demand emergency rule here is to undermine democracy and destabilize a government that is delivering on roads, education, health, and youth empowerment,” Laka added.
He called on stakeholders, including traditional leaders, political actors, and youth groups, to collaborate with security agencies rather than “sit on the sidelines criticizing.”
According to him, Kwara “will not be dragged backward” into the era of insecurity that allegedly thrived under past administrations.
Laka appealed to President Tinubu to disregard the call, stressing that what Kwara needs is continued federal collaboration to sustain peace and progress.
