Although the major actors in this story are both of blessed memories, they have inscribed their names in the rocky history of Kwara state and Nigeria as a whole. And in the order of which they left with their honours, I will say, may Almighty Allah grant Alhaji Mohammed Lawal (former governor of Kwara state), and Dr Olusola Saraki (The Turaki of Ilorin) eternal rest. This two, some good years ago dug it deep in their battle over superiority. It was a perfect example of what is meant by “clash of the titans”.

Having known Dr Olusola Saraki as one of Nigeria’s most powerful politician that lived, many would prefer him to be addressed as ‘the king maker’. But how did he come about having the nooks and crannies of Kwara on his finger tips? We shall understand this shortly.

Mohammed Lawal was a Rear Admiral of the Nigerian Navy. A one time military administrator of Ogun state during Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s regime. Meaning, he was at the top level of his chosen career before he came in as the executive governor of Kwara state in 1999. Therefore, he was not a novice.

The late Saraki was a ‘god’ in Kwara state. He had his map well drawn from the beginning. Call it a master plan and you are not far from the truth. This he started as he took upon himself the responsibility of finding comfort for the people of Kwara. His fortune he shared with them and he raised their children almost like his. He became the father of orphans, the husband of widows, and the messiah for the wretched. And like a favoured being, everything he touched became gold. Saraki’s strength grew after he became the Senate leader of the second republic. He became more influential and dominated the political circus in the state, as he also became a stone upon which others splashed sacred oil to vie for positions. And Saraki controlled everyone.

Mohammed Lawal hated being controlled. He believed whatever was given should be free from the prying eyes of the giver. Although nobody knew exactly why Saraki gave him the full support to become governor. But for everything you desire in life there must be a price.

Lawal’s attitude became like he should be left to do his thing. His action spoke like he had given to Caesar what belonged to Caesar. And for a reason nobody understood, Lawal felt oppressed and he made it clear that he would not be cowered.

As soon as the crisis broke, the two retreated to where their bloods were made. The Idi Ape born Lawal, (children of the river goddess) wore his paternal identity like he had never been away. And when his people realized their ‘soldier boy’ was set to stand bone-to-bone with the almighty Saraki, they made Idi Ape a no-go area for the Agbajis (Saraki’s ancestral compound) as they warned that their blood may spill on the ground of the aquatic men. Agbaji and its environs wasted no time in rallying round O-Lo-o-ye (Saraki’s alias). They mounted a pot on a burning flame, filled it with water, and sent the boiling content to Idi Ape. Meaning, the same water that keeps a fish shall cook it until it’s done. And that was how the battle line was drawn.

Students of tertiary institutions across Kwara state were the first to pick it up. They hid under the name cultism and transferred political aggression across different parts of the state, and innocent residents became victims of political violence.

Saraki started the battle by quitting the All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP) for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He knew quite well that the power of incumbency was enough to have Lawal bear the flag of the ANPP again. Thus, for him to stop Lawal, he needed a flag bearer from another party who, with his support, would battle Lawal to the ground. PDP saw Saraki’s coming as fortifying and they accepted him with open arms and eventually became the flag bearer of the PDP.

Mohammed Lawal stood like a solid rock on a solid ground. When he later lost the election, he knew he was defeated not by the Bukola, but by his father Saraki.

Uptill now, Kwara state still remains under the control of the Saraki Dynasty, and no one can tell if this would change in 2015. Looking at Bukola’s profile today in the politics of Nigeria, you will know that Saraki might be dead, but we still hear his voice, heed his commands, and see his moves. This is a food for thought and I hope aspirants in the forth coming general elections wouldn’t mind considering the involvement of these two noble giants and drawing lessons from how they did their politics.

Ajila writes from Abuja