The family of late former Oyo State governor, Abiola Ajimobi has explained why the state’s Deputy Governor, Rauf Olaniyan was prevented from attending the 8th day Fidau prayer of the late governor.
Ajimobi’s family explained that the prayer was in strict adherence to federal government’s social distance directive, adding that they were not aware of the deputy governor’s visit.
The family of the deceased disclosed upon Olaniyan’s arrival, efforts to ensure his entrance proved abortive as he left while they were making arrangement for his entrance into the prayer venue.
Recall that Olaniyan, the Head of Service, Ololade and the Commissioner for land, Mr Abiodun Abdul-Raheem, had arrived Ajimobi’s residence in Ibadan, the state capital but were prevented from having access into the deceased house.
However, spokesperson to the deceased governor, Mr Bolaji Tunji, in a statement said: “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 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 informed 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 10mins.”
The family also disclosed that efforts were made to inform the deputy governor what happened “was not to slight him and he could sit in a private sitting room” but he had left the venue of the prayer.
They also apologised to Olaniyan for the incident.
Meanwhile, Ajimobi, a two-time governor of the state had died recently due to Coronavirus complications.
