The Weight of Public Expectation on Engr. Suleiman Bolakale Kawu

Abdulwahab Oba

Unity and collective progress are often threatened by selfish interests. The case of Engr. Suleiman Bolakale Kawu, a respected traditional title holder in Ilorin Emirate and Lafiagi, illustrates this. Despite his non-partisan, people-centered approach, Kawu’s popularity has created challenges for politicians and those seeking political power.

When the people love you, enemies will multiply. Kawu’s acceptability across borders – political, religious, and ethnic – has made him a target for those who feel threatened by their own myopic concept of political power.

In the corridors of Kwara State, the name Engr. Suleiman Bolakale Kawu, among other numerous caregivers, resonates deeply, not just as a prince or a traditional title holder, but as a symbol of unity and service. His unassuming yet powerful presence transcends political, religious, and ethnic divides, earning him respect and admiration across all demographics. The growing pressure for him to join the political fray as a gubernatorial candidate reflects a yearning for leadership that is deeply rooted in the community’s needs. A leader that is accessible to everyone, irrespective of ethnic or religious background.

There’s an old African saying, “When the drumbeat changes, so must the dance.” Kwara has changed, and the drumbeat of discontent has grown louder. The people have seen how the current administration has strayed from governance, chasing shadows of imagined threats rather than confronting the real challenges of poverty, hunger, and underdevelopment. Instead of delivering the leadership Kwara deserves, they run after imaginary contender, Engr. Kawu—who, ironically, has yet to even declare an interest in politics. Now, they’re attributing their recent waterloo to unsubstantiated, fictional support given to some candidates by Kawu.

This, perhaps, is the greatest testament to Kawu’s influence. A man not yet in the political arena, but whose character and service make him a looming figure, threatens those whose leadership is built on non-performance and self-aggrandizement. As the proverb goes, “The lizard that jumped from the high Iroko tree said it would praise itself if no one else did.” Kawu’s silence in the face of smear campaigns speaks volumes. He does not need to boast of his works; the people’s recognition of his service is more powerful than any words.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration, instead of focusing on governance, seems preoccupied with the perceived threat of Kawu’s rising popularity. This is not the hallmark of good leadership. The unanswered questions surrounding the proposed Kwara Hotel renovation—from the inflation of the contract sum to N17.8 billion, the involvement of non-indigenous contractors, and the secrecy around the project’s prototype—highlight a disconnect between governance and the pressing needs of the people. “A man who uses his teeth to cut meat should not complain if he bites his tongue.” The government’s handling of the renovation, juxtaposed against the glaring poverty in the state, suggests misplaced priorities and a failure to address the real needs of Kwarans.

Again, Kwarans have not forgotten the economic mismanagement surrounding the N27.9 billion bond taken by the government. To this day, they have failed to disclose the bank holding the remaining balance of over N17 billion. This lack of accountability is unprecedented, as it is unheard of for a bond to be issued without proper justification or transparency.”

The rumored candidate of the current administration, who has allegedly been involved in attempts to smear Kawu’s reputation, should also take heed. As the saying goes, “If a child washes his hands clean, he may dine with elders.” Respect and credibility must be earned, not demanded. The fallout from his party’s mishandling of the local government election is a clear signal that the people are no longer willing to accept substandard leadership. His popularity has waned, not because of Kawu, but due to his open contempt for stakeholders and his inability to unify the party and the people.

Engr. Suleiman Kawu has remained steadfast in his commitment to civil service. His family has made it clear that his focus remains on his duties, but the pressure from the masses for him to reconsider is growing. As Kwarans, we understand the weight of such a decision. To lead is not to simply hold office but to serve. In Kawu, the people see a man who has been lifting others up quietly, a stark contrast to the current leadership that seems more interested in maintaining power than empowering the people.

“The firewood gathered in the dry season is what keeps the family warm during the rains.” Kawu’s years of service, dedication, and humility have built a reservoir of goodwill that his detractors can not diminish. Any attempt to smear his reputation will only backfire, as the people recognize the stark difference between those who seek to serve and those who seek to rule. The current administration should take heed; the people are watching, and any further attempts to tarnish Kawu’s name may awaken a storm they can not control.

As we appeal to Kawu to answer the call to leadership, let us remind ourselves that leadership is not about power—it is about service. The people of Kwara deserve a leader who can unify, uplift, and inspire. Engr. Kawu embodies these qualities, and should he decide to step into the political arena, it would be not just a win for the people of Ilorin Emirate but for all of Kwara.