Saraki’s family begins talks with Kwara over Ile Arugbo

Bukola Saraki

The family of the late Kwara politician, Olusola Saraki, has begun out-of-court talks with Kwara State Government over issues surrounding Ile Arugbo which was demolished early January.

The government says due process was not followed in the award of the property to Asa Investment Ltd. The Saraki family, however, refutes the allegation.

The two parties met on Thursday for the first time behind closed doors at the Governor’s office, Ilorin.

Counsel to the claimant, Abdulazeez Ibrahim, was the first to come out of the meeting at exactly 5:07 pm.

“We are still at the negotiating stage. We are yet to conclude. The meeting has ended for now. We are meeting again on Tuesday at 4.00 pm. That is all we can say for now,” he told journalists.

Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Kwara, Salman Jawondo, also confirmed Mr Ibrahim’s statement.

Justice Abiodun Adebara of a High Court in Ilorin on January 24 fixed March 2 for a report of settlement by all parties in the case in the interest of peace and justice.

“This court is particularly impressed by the parties for the steps taken to settle out of court; they are therefore enjoined to engage in meaningful discussions that will lead to the resolution of the case out of court. I wish the parties well in their deliberation,” the judge said.