A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Lasisi Jimoh, has expressed concern over what he described as disunity and a "pull-down syndrome" among indigenes of the Ilorin Emirate.

Jimoh said the development had hindered the overall progress and development of the Emirate, urging its people to prioritise unity and collective advancement.

Speaking as chairman at the 40th anniversary celebration of the League of Associates in Ilorin, Jimoh traced the roots of disunity in the Emirate to the First Republic, when the first Federal Minister from the community, Yahaya Oriokoh, reportedly fell out with the then Premier of the Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, amid alleged intrigues among indigenes.

He lamented that the pattern had persisted through successive political eras, including the Second Republic, citing disagreements involving Dr Abubakar Olusola Saraki, former Defence Minister, the late Akanbi Oniyangi and the late Governor Mohammed Lawal.

According to him, the situation has continued into the present day, to the detriment of the community's collective development.

Jimoh urged indigenes of the Emirate to "be their brothers' keepers" and work together to achieve meaningful progress.

He also called on them to emulate the spirit of peaceful coexistence, love and unity demonstrated by members of the League of Associates.

Jimoh commended the organisation for maintaining its unity since its establishment in 1986, describing its 40-year journey as worthy of celebration.

Speaking on health at the event, a professor at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Ilorin, Ibrahim Adeola Katibi, urged members of the association not to be afraid of ageing.

Katibi advised them to engage in regular exercise, monitor their blood pressure and blood sugar levels, eat more fish instead of beef, get adequate sleep and undergo regular medical check-ups.

He stressed the importance of early detection of health conditions, noting that timely identification and intervention could significantly improve health outcomes.

In his welcome address, the Chancellor of the League of Associates, Yahaya Oloriegbe, said the organisation had gathered to celebrate "a major milestone, 40 years of brotherhood, unity and service to the community."  He said the founding members came together in 1986 with a vision "to be our brothers' keeper, to stand with one another in joy and sorrow, to grow together as families and give back to the society that raised us."