Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has drawn criticism for hosting an extravagant birthday celebration for his son, Abdul, in London, United Kingdom, even as communities across the state continue to suffer repeated bandit and herder attacks.
The event, held on October 31, reportedly featured luxury dining and entertainment and was attended by top politicians, family members, and close associates. Governor AbdulRazaq and his wife, Olufolake, were seen at the party.
The celebration has sparked outrage among residents, many of whom described it as “insensitive” and “tone-deaf” given the worsening insecurity and economic hardship across the state.
“While our people are being kidnapped daily, the governor is busy partying in London. This is a betrayal of public trust,” a resident lamented.
In recent weeks, several communities in Ifelodun, Irepodun, Ekiti, Edu, Patigi, Kaiama, and Baruten local government areas have suffered violent attacks, kidnappings, and killings.
Public anger deepened after reports showed that the AbdulRazaq administration spent over ₦1.4 billion on foreign trips and transport between January and September 2025, according to the state’s Q3 Budget Implementation Report.
The spending spree comes amid rising insecurity in Kwara South and North, where farmers have abandoned farmlands due to incessant abductions and ransom demands.
On September 28, 2025, at least 10 local vigilantes were killed and five others abducted in an attack on Oke-Ode community in Ifelodun LGA. Witnesses said the assailants overpowered the vigilantes after soldiers previously stationed nearby were withdrawn.
Governor AbdulRazaq’s spokesperson, Rafiu Ajakaye, described the killings as “devastating beyond words,” adding that the vigilantes’ efforts prevented even greater loss of life.
Similar attacks have also hit Igbonla in Irepodun LGA, where armed men raided the community, abducting residents and forcing others to flee their homes.
The governor has yet to respond publicly to the backlash over his London event, which critics say reflects a widening disconnect between the state leadership and the people struggling under worsening insecurity.
