Breaking: Kwara govt marks Mashood Mustapha’s property for demolition amid Kwara hotel contract drama
The political space in Kwara takes a dramatic turn as the state government, led by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has designated the property of APC stalwart, Hon. Mashood Mustapha, for demolition.
Months earlier, Mustapha, also known as MM, alleged in a widely circulated open letter that Governor AbdulRazaq intended to demolish his properties in Kwara.
Despite attempts by the governor’s supporters to refute the claim, recent actions by the Kwara State Government appear to confirm Mustapha’s allegations.
The current crisis stems from a business dispute between the Kwara State Government and Crystal Group of Companies over the concession of Kwara Hotels.
Mustapha, the CEO of Crystal Group, detailed in his letter how his company won the bid and secured the State Executive Council’s approval for the hotel’s concession.
However, the state government subsequently awarded the remodelling contract to Craneburg Construction company for a significantly higher sum without rescinding its initial approval to Crystal Group.
In response, the Kwara State Government challenged Crystal Group to undertake the renovation and reconstruction of Kwara Hotel for the initially proposed N3 billion, provided it adheres to the government’s specifications. Crystal Group declined the offer, citing its political nature, and opted to pursue legal action.
According to insider sources, the resulting crisis reportedly fueled the governor’s decision to demolish Mashood Mustapha’s properties – Crystal Plaza – in the state. “What began as a call for due process in the award of the Kwara Hotels renovation contract has escalated into a contentious standoff between the State Government and Crystal Group,” the source said.
A staff member of Crystal Group, speaking anonymously, characterised the planned demolition of Crystal Place as a politically motivated vendetta.
He asserted that the ongoing demolition, starting from the Kwara Hotel area, is a facade aimed squarely at Mustapha’s property.
However, government sources hinted that the ongoing demolition wasn’t targeted at Mashood Mustapha but was done to make way for the rehabilitation of Ahmad Bello Way. They added that several other roadside properties were also affected, stressing it is for the state’s infrastructural development.
