Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, speaks after the demolition of his fathers home

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has said justice would prevail in reaction to the demolition of his father’s ‘home’ carried out by the Kwara State Government.

Eyewitness accounts say, the building, popularly called Ile Arugbo, was demolished at about 4 a.m. This came after the security operatives dispersed protesters who kept vigil to prevent the demolition.

The state government officials on Wednesday, around 2 a.m., tried to demolish the structure but were stopped by protesters.

In a statement Mr Saraki posted on Facebook on Thursday evening, he expressed his appreciation to the protesters.

“Following the development this morning in Ile Arugbo, I want to commend the women and men, old and young, who displayed their affection, love and staunch support for my late father and the family. I appreciate the genuine support of the women and youths who stood firmly in the face of aggression and naked show of force.

“Your action throughout the night gave full expression to my belief that what Ile Arugbo represents to all of us is etched in our hearts. It goes beyond the physical structure. I am happy that you were not intimidated as you stood your ground. This day will go down as the day you reciprocated the love and affection my father and family have for you.

“You have displayed a gesture of goodwill and passionate love. We assure you that justice shall prevail in a not too distant future,” he said.

The Saraki family has largely controlled Kwara politics since 1999. The late Olusola Saraki and his son, for many years, determined who became governors, lawmakers, and who held other key positions.

However, Mr Saraki of the opposition PDP lost out politically in the 2019 elections in Kwara as the APC won the governorship and legislative seats in the state.