The political rivalry between Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and President of the eighth Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, may have taken another dimension as the duo can no longer attend same functions in the state again for the fear of bloody clashes between their supporters.

Confirmation of this was the alleged advice by the top ranking chiefs, religious leaders and the organizers of this year Durbar to Saraki Waziri Ngeri Ilorin (the highest traditional traditional title holder,) to stay away from the event.

According to palace source (names withheld,) “avoidable clashes would become unavoidable if Saraki attend this year’s annual event.”

A source said, the organizers implored the former senate president to in the name of peace for the first time in 17 years shun this year Durbar.

Confirming this, the media aide to Saraki, Abdulganiyu Abdulquadri in a statement said his boss would not attend today (yesterday’s) event because of his love for Ilorin Emirate Community and his commitment to an atmosphere of peace.

“So, for the sake of peace and highest respect for the throne of Sheikh Alimi, Saraki will stay off the Ilorin Durbar event today,” he stated.

He hinted that Saraki’s decision not to attend was taken after respected traditional title holders and top Islamic scholars appealled to him not to attend the event.

He alleged that the government of Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq doesn’t want Saraki around the festival “for their personal and political reasons.

“We understand that tremendous pressure was put on the Ilorin Emirates Council by the Government of the state to stop the Waziri of Ilorin from attending the event.

“Abdulrazaq is jittery that the former Governor, Dr. Saraki, will steal the show as usual.

“The rejection of the Abdulrazaq led government by the people is because of its failure to eradicate poverty, provide quality leadership and not being able to deliver on good governance. We implore the Governor to sit up and stop blaming Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki for the problem he created for himself and his government,” he alleged further.

Saraki who is the highest ranked traditional tittle holder of Ilorin also told our reporter on phone that he stayed away from the traditional festival for peace and orderliness.

According to Saraki’s aide, “the Waziri Ngeri was in high spirit to join the peace loving people of the Emirate to celebrate the traditional festival of his people until the move by the government to stop him.

“Regrettably, I wish to announce that for peace and tranquility, I am staying away from the Durban celebration this year, he pointed”.

Saraki however wished the organizers of the Durbar a success and implored them to deliver on promises made during consultation and planning of the event.

“I wish our people happy celebration and many more to come. I implore us to celebrate with moderation and eschew any act that could truncate peace and orderliness in the state,” he said.