A Tribute to the Patriarch of Kwara Politics, Baba Olusola Saraki

By Engr. Suleiman Kale Kawu (Dan’iya Ngeri, Haskin Lafigi)

In the grand tapestry of Kwara State and indeed, Nigerian politics, certain names are not merely written in ink; they are woven into the very fabric of our collective memory with threads of gold. One such name, an indelible inscription on the heart of every true son and daughter of Kwara, is that of Dr. Olusola Saraki, the Waziri of Ilorin emirate—Baba Saraki.

To speak of Baba is to speak of an institution, a political colossus whose shadow provided shelter for millions. He was not just a man; he was a phenomenon. A master strategist whose political acumen was unparalleled, and a philanthropist whose generosity knew no bounds.

Baba’s politics was not the politics of the elite alone; it was the politics of the people. He understood the language of the common man because he spoke it fluently. He felt the pulse of the market woman, the hope of the young graduate, and the aspiration of the farmer. His famous Ile Arugbo (Old People’s Home) was not just a physical structure; it was a symbol—a sanctuary where the aged found solace, the needy found support, and the politically marginalized found a voice. It was there that he listened, not just with his ears, but with his heart.

For many of us who cut our political teeth under his tutelage, Baba was a school. He was a political scientist, a professor of realpolitik, and a dean of human relations, all rolled into one. He taught us that power is transient, but legacy is eternal. He demonstrated that true leadership is about touching lives, one person at a time. His door was always open, his table always had a place for one more, and his counsel was a reservoir of wisdom.

Baba Saraki built a political family that transcended ethnicity and religion. He was a unifier, a bridge-builder who saw Kwarans first, before any other affiliation. He nurtured leaders, not followers. He empowered us to think, to aspire, and to lead. The political landscape of Kwara, as we know it, is a monument to his vision, his grit, and his unwavering belief in the potential of his people.

Today, as we remember him, we do not mourn like those without hope. Instead, we celebrate a life extraordinarily lived. We celebrate a legacy of service, compassion, and immense courage. The trees of political awareness and empowerment he planted have grown deep roots and wide branches, providing shade for generations to come.

Baba may have answered the call of the Almighty, but his spirit remains the guiding light for Kwara politics. His lessons in loyalty, his strategies for engagement, and his passion for grassroots development continue to inspire my own journey and the journeys of countless others.

We may have lost the patriarch, but we are eternally blessed by the footprints he left behind. His was a life of impact. His was a life of purpose. His was a life well-lived.

Rest on, Waziri. Rest on, Waziri. Rest on, Baba Saraki. Your work here was truly done.

In everlasting respect and gratitude,

Engr. Suleiman Kale Kawu (Dan’iya Ngeri, Haskin Lafigi)