Oyo deputy governor, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan-led delegation were, Sunday prevented from attending the 8th day Fiɗau for immediate governor of the state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
The deputy governor, who was leading the state government delegation comprising of Barristers Abiodun Abdul-Raheem and Seun Ashamu, Commissioners for Land and Energy, respectively, were turned back from entering the Oluyole residence of late former governor Abiola Ajimobi, venue of the 8th day Fidau prayer.
On arrival, the deputy governor met the gate to the late former governor’s house firmly locked, prompting his security aides to seek the opening of the gate for the delegation to enter.
However, the security men at the gate turned down the request, claiming the key to the gate was with a top member of the late governor’s immediate family.
The security details were said to have informed the deputy governor’s aides that there was no way the gate could be open for the delegation except they were directed to do so “from inside”.
Reliable sources said the development might not be unconnected with the face-off between the family of the late former governor and the incumbent, Engr Seyi Makinde.
Reacting, the special adviser on media and strategy to the late former governor, Mr Bolaji Tunji, in a statement, Sunday said the late governor’s family were not aware the deputy governor or any other delegation of the Oyo state government would be coming for the Fiɗau.
“There is a need to clarify the believed presence of the deputy governor of Oyo state, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan at the 8th day prayers for His Excellency Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the immediate past governor of Oyo state. The event was announced as strictly a family affair. However, some dignitaries arrived for the event prior to the commencement of the prayers and were permitted entry,” he said.
“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,” adding: “Once we reached capacity, the gate was locked.
“Through a serving senator and a former Attorney General, we tried to get in touch with him so 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 added.
