Tobias Sylvester
The family of the late governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, has reacted to the reported blockage of the state Deputy Governor, Raufu Olaniyan, and his delegation into the premises of the late governor for the eighth day fidau prayers.
KanyiDaily had reported how Olaniyan and his delegation were turned back from entering the residence of the Ajimobis on Sunday, July 5, 2020.
In a statement by Ajimobi’s Special Adviser, Media, Bolaji Tunji, the family said they were not aware the deputy governor would attend the prayer become the event was a strict family affair.
He added that when they got wind of Olaniyan’s arrival, the family decided to create a space at a private sitting room, but by the time they returned, the deputy governor had left the venue.
“There is the need to clarify the believed presence of the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan at the 8th day prayer of HE Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the immediate past Governor of Oyo State,” the statement read.
“The Deputy Governor arrived after the prayer had started. The event was strictly a family affair. There was a need to comply with the Covid-19 protocol as established by NCDC- Social distancing, not more than 30 people in a place and seats arranged, accordingly. After which the gate was shut.
“No one was aware that the Deputy Governor was coming as neither the advance team nor the protocol inform us. By the time we got to the gate to usher him into the sitting room, he had left. Everything happened within a spate of 10 mins.
“Through a serving Senator and a former Attorney General we tried to get in touch with him that it was not to slight him and he could sit in a private sitting room provided by the family. Unfortunately, he had left. We however apologise to his Excellency, ” he said.
This incident is believed to be connected to the rift between Ajimobi’s family and the state government led by Seyi Makinde over the handling of the burial of the former governor (Ajimobi).
